SCM Solidarity Statement on Red Tent Homelessness Campaign
Passed by consensus of the elected General Board of SCM Canada, February 8, 2010
Whereas “The Student Christian Movement of Canada (SCM Canada) is a youth-led ecumenical network of student collectives based in spirituality, issues of social, economic and environmental justice and building autonomous local communities on campuses across the country.”
Whereas “Red Tent is national campaign that invites the participation of all persons and organizations wishing to end homelessness in Canada whose strategy is to use red tents and like items as symbols on the streets and in the media to draw attention to Canada’s homelessness crisis, educate the public about the need for a funded national housing strategy and mobilize people across the country to pressure government to take action on homelessness.”
Whereas the basis of unity and other details about Red Tent have been made publicly available on the internet
Whereas Christians are commanded to live and proclaim the radical way of Jesus publicly (Matthew 5:14-16).
Whereas The bible repeatedly indicates that concern for the poor and the marginalized is central to Christian discipleship (Luke 1:50-53).
Whereas The ideal Christian community engages in radical sharing that eliminates poverty (Acts 4:32-35).
Whereas Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel in new and creative ways that avoid reproducing the oppressive structures that plague our culture (Romans 12:21).
The Student Christian Movement of Canada:
- Endorses the Red Tent Campaign
- Strongly Encourages all SCM local units to participate and
- Resolves to continue in prayer and conversation about the matter.
