Blood Diamonds and the Church

I just heard a powerful, very well-done program on Chicago Public Radio's 'Worldview' program on the issues surrounding conflict diamonds. "Think, Americans, how much you pay to have a person killed, when you buy a cheap diamond," was the quote that stuck out most from a Congolese human rights worker. Also on how much money in exports leaves the country through colonial-model corporations when the people are starving as well as unable to access basic medical supplies. The audio should be up shortly here:


http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/audio_library/wv_radec06.asp




Being in seminary, I was trying to think how pastors could best help staunch the trade of blood diamonds. Perhaps by the time engaged couples get to the pastor, the ring has already been brought. However, you could still preach, and speak to this issue with age groups that are most likely to be buying diamonds in the next few years; namely, high school and young adult ministries.



This also addresses in a substantial way the problem of the church-world relevance gap which I believe causes so many of our young idealistic people to leave the church. When we insulate ourselves in church fights and neglect global and community outreach, we miss the opportunity to build strong leadership in our churches that will lead us into more peaceful tomorrows.

Who will we allow to teach our youth about corporate responsibility?