Pastor Participates in International Council on Violence Against Children
On April 30 through May 1-4 Church of God bishop, pastor, and educator, Dr. Tony Richie, participated in the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children (DPAC) council meeting in Coimbatore, India. The focus of this international meeting was overcoming violence against children.
Richie, who has served on DPAC’s Executive Council since 2011, felt this was a particularly important meeting. Even its location was especially significant. For example, it followed closely upon an incident receiving international attention in which a 5-year-old girl died after being raped in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on April 18, 2013. However, Richie reminded audiences of the death of an 8-year-old boy in the Boston marathon bombing in the USA on April 15 as an example that violence against children is a global problem cutting across all borders. Accordingly, Richie argues, compassionate aid for children suffering from violence in its various forms requires cooperation among all people of good will beyond the boundaries of their respective faith communities or political parties.
In addition to annual council duties and field work in area villages, Richie participated in various presentations and panel discussions which included leaders and representatives from local and national governments, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu religious organizations, and UNICEF. He also preached in Coimbatore’s Hebron Pentecostal church, an indigenous congregation.
The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children connects people and organizations to protect children. Improving the welfare of children is an urgent global challenge. By working with the world’s diverse faith communities, governments and civil society, it can accelerate and magnify their efforts to help children worldwide. Initiated by the global non-governmental organization, Arigatou International, the World Day has promoted prayer and action for the well-being of children on Universal Children’s Day since 2008.
DPAC is an opportunity for both prayer and action on behalf of children. For more information and opportunities for participation, please visit www.dayofprayerandaction.org.
