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Worship Resources for Universal Children’s Day 20 November 2011 Theme for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children:

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN

Improving the welfare of children is an urgent global challenge. The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is an opportunity for:

• Diverse religious communities and people of faith everywhere, guided by their respective religious teachings and values, to express hope and determination through prayer, meditation, supplication and worship that the world be made fit for children.

Civil society, including religious groups, governments and international organisations such as UNICEF, to take common action for children on issues including poverty, children’s rights, child protection, education and discrimination.

Action and advocacy on the World Day are inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Day is an opportunity not only to pray, but for everyone to take action that makes an immediate difference in improving children’s lives.

For further information and resources: http://www.dayofprayerandaction.org/who_we_are

“Non-violence is therefore in its active form good-will towards all life. It is pure Love. I have read it in the Hindu Scriptures, in the Bible and in the Koran.” Mahatma Gandhi

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Worship Resources

These Resources have been prepared by the Churches’ Network for Non-violence (CNNV) Worship Group, for Universal Children’s Day which takes place on 20 November 2011. Please adapt them for your church and community or use them yourself to remember children all over the world who suffer from violence. Please use the opportunity of UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY to create awareness and discuss ways of taking action to stop all forms of violence against children including corporal punishment. The term “children” refers to all young people 0-18 years. Contents A vigil with candle lighting 3 Prayers 7 Hymns 8 Activities 10 Resources 12

“The Study has raised the expectations of millions of children in all regions; they want their childhood, free of violence, now. A year is a long time in the life of a child. We cannot keep them waiting.”

Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, the Independent Expert for the United Nations Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children, Progress Report to the General assembly, 2007. Link to the World Report on Violence against Children on page 12.

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A VIGIL WITH

CANDLELIGHTING

A GREETING

Welcome to this Prayer Vigil dedicated to ending all forms of violence against children including corporal punishment. Throughout the world children are suffering as a result of violence. The violence may be physical or psychological or as a result of political decisions, war or poverty. On this World Day of Prayer and Action we join our prayers to those of many people all over the world who long for an end to such violence. We are conscious of our responsibility as adults to create a world fit for children and we pray for grace and determination to take action and transform children’s lives.

LISTENING TO THE VOICES OF CHILDREN

Children may be invited to compose and deliver their own message and ideas about ending violence against children. Children may prefer to do this through writing and presenting messages or through drawings, poems, banner-making, movement, drama or music.

A CHILD’S REQUEST TO THE ADULT

COMMUNITY

On behalf of the children of our community we ask you to commit to ending all forms of violence against children, including corporal punishment. We want to learn to solve problems without the use of violence. We can do this by learning from your teaching, guidance and example.

AN ADULT’S RESPONSE

Invite an adult to respond on behalf of

the church community

A HYMN or MUSIC

. AN ACT OF REMEMBRANCE FOR

CHILDREN WHO HAVE SUFFERED VIOLENCE

LEADER: We confess with penitence the ways in which our society has neglected or abused children, remembering in particular in a time of silence, those children who have suffered violence, including corporal punishment at the hands of adults.

A bell may be rung or a drum played softly before silence is kept

LEADER: Let us give thanks to God for the children entrusted to our care and protection. ALL: We give thanks for the gifts which children bring to our society and for all those who nurture and protect children. LEADER: Creator God, we thank you for the inherent dignity of every child. ALL: We remember with sorrow those children who are not respected and who suffer from violence. LEADER: We thank you for those who protect children. ALL: We remember with sorrow those children who are not protected and who are humiliated through abuse

LEADER: We thank you for those who listen to children. ALL: We remember those children who have no voice, or whose concerns are not heard.

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LEADER: We thank you for those who are called to work with children. ALL: We remember with regret those children who have not received good quality care and support.

LEADER: We thank you for those who help children who have suffered. ALL: We remember with sadness those children who have not been helped.

LEADER: We thank you for those who model non-violent ways to resolve conflict. ALL: We remember with sorrow those children who have never known justice, fairness and compassion. LEADER: A prayer of absolution may be given ALL: In the name of God we commit ourselves to our children, to helping them learn well, to discover boundaries, and to explore safely, without fear of being hit or hurt by those they trust, so that we might reflect God’s gentle love for them, for us and for all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen LEADER: Let us draw our prayers together in the words that Jesus taught us

The Lord’s Prayer

A HYMN, MUSIC, MIME or MOVEMENT Visual images may be displayed or you may wish to show the video: “The Rights of Children – a Photo Essay” available on UNICEF’s website for the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: www.unicef.org/rightsite/

LEADER: In the name of God, creator and lover of us all:

Peace be with you

All: And also with you

A READING

Matthew 18: 1-5; 19; 13-14

CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Candles may be arranged in a wreath around a globe or picture. Appropriate symbols or images may be displayed

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LEADER: We light these candles for children everywhere and commit ourselves to ending all forms of violence against children, including corporal punishment.

ALL: Compassionate God Hear our prayers for all your children who are suffering through the unseen cruelty of others. Look with kindness and compassion on all those who are mistreated. When they feel abandoned, give them hope. When they feel unloved and betrayed give them courage, comfort and peace. Bless all those who care for them and who work to bring rescue and relief. Give us the courage to speak out against all that harms the bodies and minds of your children, so that love will triumph over fear and light shine in the darkness. AMENi

A REFLECTION You may wish to include a short reflection or

address here.

Jesus taught us how to make the world more compassionate and just for children; he taught about a social world in part defined by children.

In his words and actions Jesus turned the first-century view of children as the property of adults, upside down.

By blessing and laying his hands on children Jesus received children as people in their own right; he gave them dignity, status and respect.

WASHING of CHILDREN’S FEET (optional) We wash the children’s feet as a mark of

respect for all children A light from the candle wreath may be passed around from person to person You may wish to process from the church with lighted candles and continue the vigil outside

HYMN

A BLESSING

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“In bringing to light the many issues of children fighting violence, we realise that our plight is part of a larger worldwide struggle for the realisation of human rights. Our cry is not to be treated specially but, rather humanely, in accordance with the core values of human dignity that are the cornerstones of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Declaration of children and young people, Regional Consultation, the Caribbean, 2005.

Quoted in the ‘World Report on Violence against Children’, UN Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children, 2006

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PRAYERS

A Prayer for Parents God our Creator As Mary nurtured her son Jesus at each new stage of life with wisdom and respect, may we too meet each new challenge of parenting with full humanity, and respond to our children with kindness and understanding. Help us to promote the true meaning of discipline as discipleship, teaching and guidance; not smacking, punishment and humiliation. Help us to speak out boldly and challenge all those who use religion to justify the painful punishment of children. Create in us a sense of universal responsibility towards all children so that in our work and daily life we may follow the example of Jesus who listened to children and gave them status and respect. So may we see your likeness and image in every child. Amen Adapted from Respecting Children – Resources for Worship, CNNV, 2008 __________________________________________________________________________________

A Prayer for Universal Children’s Day

Loving God You have called us to work for true justice in our communities and to be messengers of freedom for all who are not treated as your children. We pray that you will give us grace to put our faith into action to end the violence and cruelty that overshadows many children’s lives. Jesus taught us to welcome children and learn from them. May we use our imagination to put ourselves in children’s shoes and learn to teach and guide them with wisdom, gentleness and understanding. Let us treat each child as we would treat the Christ child. Amen

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HYMNS

Sing a new song Sing a new song for God’s children for all children everywhere living lives of fear and sadness Carrying pain they should not bear Children long to hear a new song, of a just community, meeting needs and aspirations, showing full humanity. Jesus taught us all to sing about compassion and respect, children central to God’s vision, how can we hurt or neglect. Sing a new song to God’s children celebrate their human rights, universal and eternal living, binding, shining bright. Hear a new song from God’s children equal, valued, safe, secure, sharing one another’s stories hopeful, confident and sure. Sing a new song with all children bless their human dignity. Hear their voices, praise their actions join the world in harmony. Give us grace to sing in chorus, let us all disciples be. May we teach our children gently never harm, strike or demean. Sing a song of love and wisdom honour children everywhere, see Christ’s image in each other, find the key of peace to share. CNNV 2011

A Hymn for Every Child Oh God who loves each child as one And values each as gold Protect them from the heavy hand And keep them free from harm. Oh God who wants each child to be A person loved by all Help us to make sure every one Is never hit nor harmed. Oh God who sees love in each child And good in what they do Ensure we grant them dignity And humanity strong and true. Jocelynne A. Scutt August 2011

May be sung to the tune Oh God Our Help in Ages Past St Anne 8686

Sing a new song may be sung to the following tunes

Brother, sister let me serve you Servant Song: 8787 Earth has many a noble city Stuttgart: 8787 Firmly I believe and truly Shipston: 8787

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ACTIVITIES THE GOLDEN RULE The Golden Rule is one of the most universally accepted values shared by religious groups and communities. To apply it we are required to imagine ourselves in the place of the person on the receiving end of our actions and to understand the effect of our actions on the lives of others. “So whatever you wish that people should do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12 “Do not do to others that which would anger you if others did it to you.” Socrates (Greece; 5th century BC) Discuss the implications of the Golden Rule on attitudes towards children at home, at school and in the wider community.

“Treat children with the respect and consideration that you would like for yourself in the same situation.”

The Golden Rule for young children Download Meet the blobs for Golden Rule activities for children:

http://www.churchesfornon-violence.org/Meet-the-Blobs.pdf A hard copy can be ordered free of charge from: info@churchesfornon-violence.org Meet the Blobs – Stop Smacking is an activity book for young children based on the Golden Rule and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Young children helped develop the activities in this publication which includes a board game and stickers.

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ACTIVITIES The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the (UNCRC)

Resources for the following activities

• Notes on the UNCRC: Page 11.

• A brief history of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, explained by Funky Dragon on: http://www.uncrcletsgetitright.co.uk

• Understanding the Convention on

the Rights of the Child & photo essays and questions and answers: http://www.unicef.org/crc

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Child Friendly Language: http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchildfriendlylanguage.pdf UNCRC full version: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm

A small group activity lnvite groups to create an advertising campaign for churches for an event to discuss how children’s human rights can be better promoted and protected in churches and communities. The advertising material should convey the importance of the event for mission and ministry development and emphasise that the event is for everyone. An activity for all ages In small groups, design posters for Articles 5, 12, 19 and 36 of the UNCRC. Explain and present them to your church community. Article 5 Your family has the responsibility to help you learn to exercise your rights and to ensure that your rights are protected. Article 12 You have the right to give your opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously. Article 19 You have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated in body or mind. Article 36 You have the right to be protected from any kind of exploitation (being taken advantage of).ii

“The Convention on the Rights of the Child is that luminous living document that enshrines the rights of every child without exception to a life of dignity and self-fulfilment.” Nelson Mandela

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Notes on the Convention on the Rights of the Child RIGHTS are something everyone has at birth. No person has the power to give them or take them away. There are no conditions attached to them. Rights do not come with responsibilities and they do not have to be earned. They are unconditional and belong to children and young people from the moment of birth. In claiming our own rights we must ensure we do not infringe other people’s rights. Every person is entitled to rights. There is sometimes confusion about the difference between rights and needs. Rights are associated with being, whereas needs are associated with having. Rights are what you are entitled to, needs are what you require. Rights are important to ensure children:

• are safe • are not discriminated against • have their best interests protected • have the things they need to

survive and develop • and have a say in decisions that

affect their lives The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a list of rights that all children and young people, everywhere in the world are entitled to no matter who they are, where they live or what they believe in.

The Convention protects the rights of children and young people up to 18 years of age. There are 54 articles in the UNCRC Articles 1-41 (each of these outlines a right) set out how children should be treated. The other 13 articles are all about how governments and young people can access and enjoy their rights. All of the articles cover three main themes Participation Based on the idea that the child or young person actively contributes to society as a citizen in the here and now and not just someone on the receiving end of good or bad treatment from others. Provision These articles cover the basic rights of children and young people to survive and develop. These range through health care, food and clean water to education and an environment which allows children to develop. The Convention is clear that the best place for a child is normally with their family, and that the Government has a duty to support and assist parents. Protection The articles deal with the exploitation of children and young people at work; physical, sexual and psychological abuse; discrimination and other mistreatments which many still suffer.

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RESOURCES The United Nations Secretary General’s Study on Violence Against Children www.unicef.org/violencestudy/ The site has links to a number of resources including the World Report on Violence Against Children, a photo essay Stopping the Violence, and a video Youth against Violence, with contributions from young people in India, Philippines, Romania, Venezuela and Zambia. A Child Friendly Report and Video can be downloaded at: www.unicef.org/violencestudy/responding.html Positive Discipline: What it is and how to do it, by Joan Durrant, published by Save the Children, 2009. Download the manual, executive summary and a video interview with the author at: www.endcorporalpunishment.org/pages/news/pos-disc-manual.html Parenting for a Peaceful World by Robin Grille Download the video which is narrated by Ajas Swafford aged 10 years and traces the history of violent treatment of children from early times and discusses the negative effects of violence on generations of children.: www.naturalchild.org/videos/parenting_peaceful_world.html Churches’ Network for Non-violence (CNNV) The Churches’ Network for Non-violence was formed to broaden religious support for law reform to end corporal punishment and other cruel and humiliating forms of violence against children and to challenge faith-based justification for it. CNNV aims to work with others towards developing a network of support, practical resources and information and to encourage religious communities to play an active role in the movement for reform. Contact us to order a free copy of the handbook: ENDING CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OF CHILDREN – A handbook for working with and within religious communities. www.churchesfornon-violence.org info@churchesfornon-violence.org Contact us for information about taking part in campaign activities i Adapted from: “Let your light shine in the darkness”, Respecting Children – Resources for Worship, CNNV, 2006 Page ii UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Child Friendly Language, Unicef, http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncchildfriendlylanguage.pdf