Operation Broken Silence, or OBS, an organization committed to expanding the global anti-genocide movement, just released its “Emergency Church Action Plan Concerning Genocide,” which focuses on maximizing the effects and impact of American Christian efforts in combating genocide, particularly in Darfur.
The Action Plan guides churches through seven steps to effectively respond to genocide. The steps include actions such as corporate and private prayer, giving money to an aid organization working in the area of concern, sending congregation members on mission trips, and informing the network of churches about the genocide. The plan draws on the obligation of churches to demand responsibility from the American government to take action in the face of genocide by encouraging congregations to write to their representatives, contact the White House, and host local events like fundraisers, guest lectures, and screenings of genocide films. The Action Plan also highlights the usefulness of a pre-existing network of churches to spread the word about the ongoing genocide. Lastly, the plan calls on churches to keep up the pressure as the call for action spreads, especially in light of the fact that the genocide in Darfur could continue for many years.
OBS, founded by Mark Christopher Hackett, asserts that the American Christian church is in a unique position to become a strong voice against the ongoing genocide in Darfur. In its attempt to awaken the Christian call to conscience, OBS believes there is a “Biblical Anti-Genocide Mandate” to take an uncompromising stand against genocide:
Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this.” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done? Proverbs 24:11-12
To read the full Emergency Church Action Plan and discover ways that your church can take action to combat the genocide in Darfur, visit the Operation Broken Silence website. The “Call to the American Church” is another useful resource found there, which highlights the great potential of the Christian church’s leadership to demand action from the U.S. government to supply relief efforts to people affected by ongoing violence.
Enough’s Darfur Christian Action initiative also provides a collection of resources for church members who are interested in joining the anti-genocide movement, including the Christian Companion for the book Not On Our Watch by John Prendergast and actor Don Cheadle.