Four European Crisis and the Role of the Church
by Mike STANNETT
- Ecological Crisis
- Social and Economical Crisis
- Political- Democracy Crisis
- Spiritual Crisis
These are the four main crises that Europe is facing. These crises and their effects will have a bearing on the Salvation Army economically, administratively, on our mission and ministry.
Ecological
It is clear that global weather patterns are changing, creating disasters world wide. Patterns in Europe are also affected by this. Alongside is the increasingly recognised human activity effect, pollution of the air, land and sea.
The Army will be effected in its mission as it responds to human need during civil disasters. Some of its properties will be in high risk areas. Its financial resources will be stretched to meet these needs, both internally and externally. Its ministry in teaching respect for God's creation becomes more essential. Its recycling programme takes on more significance.
Social and Economical
The increase in digitalisation and mechanisation will have considerable effect on unemployment. The aging population and the ability of the state to provide services such as health care and life with dignity is already showing signs of stress.
An individual's purpose and worth are going to be areas of great concern. Gone are the days of a job for life. The average number of jobs during a working life in Europe is four. This number is expected to raise to 18 in the coming years. This will effect a person's identity and sense of value, which is already the case with long term unemployment.
The lack of human contact due to IT advances in health care, social services, policing etc. will sow seeds of dehumanising services.
Refugees and migrants, those escaping wars, famine or impoverished economic situations and looking for a better life are placing burdens on existing structures, institutions and services.
Is the Salvation Army ready or able to respond or understand these growing challenges, to adapt to social justice, social care, and social housing needs of the future?
Democracy
Europe is facing a crisis in its political system. Democracy has been eroding and the politicians are largely protected from the consequences of their policies. There is a lack of trust and accountability. People feel isolated from the political system that has consistently failed to meet promises or to address the real needs of its people.
Increased security measures, tightening of national boarders and policies designed to limit terrorist activities have impacted human rights and freedom of speech.
Standing in the streets preaching the gospel is much more complex today than it was 20 years ago.
Increased secularism and pressures to separate faith based services have had knock on effects on TSA funding. TSA has alongside other churches in some cases felt restricted to be itself when delivering social care without the Gospel. How real is this, or is it false perception?
Spiritual
Many feel that the Christian church is under attack and that the Christian values of Europe are being undermined and eroded not only by secularism but also by Islam and other faiths.
Yes the Church needs to makes itself understandable and relevant to today's society, but it also needs to look to the future.
There is a general understanding that man has a spiritual life, but that the established church is not what the people are responding to.
However, there are big questions facing the Salvation Army and the Church alongside the other great faiths in Europe. How are we going to respond to the great needs of humanity, in this fast paced changing world?
How do we help an individual see their purpose if there are no jobs?
How do they have identity if their employment changes from one sector to another? No longer will they have pride in being a carpenter or mechanic, but rather being a jack of all trades.
How will they feel valued as a person if many of the services they require are dealt with by digitalised recordings?
How will they feel life is worth living or know the purpose of life, if they are continually treated as economic units or as a burden on society?
How will they perceive that God has a plan for their lives?
This of course is just a snap shot of the complex issues facing the world we live in, the challenge for the Church, for the Salvation Army, is how do we plan and respond for today and for tomorrow?
Tags: Europe