08 September 2008

Not On Our Watch event highlights Christian work on social justice issues

A wide cross-section of Christian leaders joined the Evangelical Alliance on 5 September to watch a special preview of the new Miramax film The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas at Disney Studios in Hammersmith. The event, which was entitled "Not On Our Watch", was a chance for Alliance member and partner organisations to highlight their work on social justice issues, and for emerging leaders to learn about them in the context of one of Europe’s most shameful abuses of human rights.

Adapted from John Boyne’s best-selling novel, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a fictional story told through the eyes of an eight year old boy largely shielded from the reality of World War II. The film follows a forbidden friendship that forms between Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy held captive in a concentration camp. Though the two are separated physically by a barbed-wire fence, their friendship grows and their lives become intertwined.

Cathy Nobles of The Reconciliation Walk thought the themes of the film spoke into how Christians should approach conflict. She said: “Seeing conflict through children’s eyes gives us back the childlike wonder God created us with where we don’t understand how human beings could be our enemies. We should seek to love one another, even those we’re afraid of.”

After the film, the Alliance’s Head of Communications Miles Giljam led the audience in silent and corporate prayer. Then four younger leaders from four different Alliance member organisations spoke about their work and how others could get involved. Andy Clasper of Micah Challenge spoke on campaigning against global poverty; Kristen Carson of The Reconciliation Walk spoke about peacemaking; Naomi Davis of Hope for Justice spoke about fighting human trafficking; and Polly Hughes of Tearfund spoke about anti-poverty projects.

“The combination of the film with the four ministries set up interesting dynamics for the evening," said Chris Wright of Langham Partnership. “I knew two of the organisations well, but the other two were unknown to me, so it was good to learn about what they are doing.”

“It was good to meet and connect with people at this event, and the film was very powerful," said Colin Burns of Arts Centre Group.