The Light of the World
The Christ Child born in the manger of Bethlehem is the true light in this dark world. This past year has given clear testimony that we live in a dark broken and fallen world. Sickness, strife, confusion, and change abound in every land. Also for Christian Council International (CCI), 2020 has brought significant adversity. We were unable to travel freely and meet with policy makers in various countries as was our intention and plans. But we also were able to continue with our important work via alternate means. We are reminded at Christmas that our hope for the future rests in the Hands of Him who has sent His Son in the fullness of time and that His promises and purposes will never fail. He who has been our help in ages past is our only hope for years to come. The following is a list of plus and minus points for CCI in 2020.
Minus: Cancellation of CCI events - Barely controllable, the corona virus rounds up and makes its victims, personal and business. Increased infections have put us back into a lockdown. For CCI and its sister organization in the Netherlands Transatlantic Christian Council (TCC), this meant that after March we had to cancel another week of public and business events, other scheduled appointments, visits and tickets of American guests in October.
Minus: Hindered access to work areas - Also the usual presence at international organizations and use of influence was not possible due to restrictions. Such as this autumn at the UN Third Committee in New York, the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the OSCE's annual human rights meeting in Warsaw, meetings in Brussels and Washington DC.
Plus: Signing International Pro-Life, Pro-Family Geneva Declaration - Fortunately, this inconvenience was amply compensated by work on developments in America. Important progress was the realization of the US-initiated Geneva Consensus Declaration: Abortion is not an international human right, 32 signatory countries stressed. They united around the goal: improved women's health and protection of life, family and sovereignty. As an NGO, TCC/CCI was involved in the realization of this momentous result and was virtually present at the signing ceremony of the declaration with persons present as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar. This signing is not an end point, but a milestone on the road to more signing pro-life/ pro-family countries. Together with partners, TCC/CCI is committed to this.
Plus: Clear message frequently in the media - In addition, TCC was frequently asked for interviews and opinions in the media about the American Presidential elections. As clearly as possible, we highlighted the arguments why we thought the Republican agenda was closest to the values that TCC/CCI also promotes.
Minus: US election results - The pain in the election results is very much felt for the pro-life, pro-family and pro-freedom of religion and education agenda. In many of these areas it is to be feared that the wind direction will turn around 180 degrees in the U.S. and by their representatives in international organizations. We are maintaining the carefully built network with the current policy makers at a good level as much as possible. But the positions will be taken by people with opposing views on many ethical points.
Plus: Christian Council International established – On the brink of the outbreak of the corona pandemic half March we were just able to start the incorporation process in Washington DC of CCI. It resulted in the legal establishment of CCI as per June 5, 2020. Members of the Board of Directors are George Roller, John Van Der Brink and Jolanda van Schothorst. Chairman is initiator Henk Jan van Schothorst, also founder of TCC.
Plus: Tax deductible charitable status in the U.S. for Christian Council International - Another progress was that in November CCI received the news that we were awarded the 501 (c)(3) status for CCI. A bank account has been opened. A new combined TCC/CCI website is being developed. In this way, CCI together with its sister TCC with equal goals can also grow and flourish in the US.
Plus: Recruiting volunteers and interns – At TCC we have found a volunteer in the Netherlands in the person of Ms. Rieke Hoogendoorn, Master of Law, who will focus on UN Geneva. Job descriptions for internships on a voluntary basis have also been set up and spread. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis and internships usually last for 2 or 3 months. We also aim to attract volunteers and interns in the US (and maybe Canada).
Target – With determination we enthusiastically focus on the implementation of our 3-year project 2021-2023: Free, Brave. With the support of people like you and others, CCI stands up for Christian standards in international organizations such as the UN, EU, and OSCE, as well as representatives of member states such as the US and African countries. Extra focus is on themes such as the protection of life, the natural family and freedom such as religion and education. TCC is able to do this because it has acquired the powers and access to speak and lobby with these organizations and representatives. Concretely, we try to influence international resolutions and decisions at the source by speaking to decision makers in person and getting them to make the right choices.