Through a resolution brought forth by the Filipino American Ministry Caucus, a Task Force on the Philippines was created through Annual Conference action in June 2006 to begin addressing concerns of Extra-Judicial Killings (EJKs) in the Philippines. A month of prayer was observed in October 2006 and a Pastoral and Solidarity Visit to the Philippines was held in February 2007. The visit was led by Bishop Shamana, and included 15 members of the California-Nevada Annual Conference, and two filmmakers. The visit provided our delegation with the opportunity to meet with family members of victims of killings and to hear stories from others under threat of attack. These killings have included members of the clergy and church workers, as well as labor organizers, human rights advocates, legal activists, journalists, and farmers. The visit was hosted by members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP).
At the 2007 Annual Conference, a report back from the Pastoral and Solidarity Visit was provided with a request to establish a permanent Task Force and an ongoing relationship with the NCCP. Through the 2007 Annual Conference action, a permanent Task Force was approved.
