A Vision for Children and the Church
Because we affirm that all children are a gift of God, created by God and created good;
all children are a gift to the whole of the human community;
all children have a real faith, and gifts for ministry;
all children have the right to be children;
and all children are not just tomorrow, they are today.
Because we believe that all children depend upon adults for safety and security
In a world that does not always value children;
All children are affected first and most deeply by those things that work against health
and wholeness:
where there is disease, children sicken and die;
where there is homelessness, children sleep on the streets and in other dangerous places;
where there is war, children are frightened and without a safe place;
where the air and water are polluted, children feel the effect in their bodies and in their
futures;
where there is shame, children’s spirits are wounded.
Therefore we hope for a world where all children can find a safe place;
where all ages, races, genders, creeds, and abilities are recognized, valued, and
celebrated;
where all adults hear the voices of children and speak with as well as for them;
where all children have “first call” on the world’s resources and first place in the minds
and hearts of the world’s adults.
Because Jesus welcomed children and encouraged us to welcome them in his name;
Jesus lifted up a child as an example of what the realm of God is like;
Therefore we hope for a church where we take seriously our baptismal vow to nurture all
children committed to our care;
where we bring good news to all those places where children are in need;
where adults and children alike share in ministry.
We covenant to act so that this vision may be made real for all children, now and in
times to come.
"A Vision for Children and The Church" was adopted by the 205th General Assembly (1993).
