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Globalization
Globalization is an issue that cannot be escaped and is a fact of the shrinking world that we live in. We are told that there will be many benefits to peoples from many countries. We are told that economically this is the way forward; that countries must bring down barriers and enter the world market. This is preached as the way of the future; but there are many discrepancies. Economies are to be open, but in most cases borders are being closed. Money and funds should flow freely, but in most cases they flow in one direction not two. Resources and opportunities are open to some but become more closed and inaccessible to others.
  • What is the controlling factor in such a process?
  • For whom are the benefits?
  • What contribution and direction does the church have in this case?
  • What party will ensure justice for the weak, the oppressed, the alien, and the outcast?
  • Can the market forces deliver such justice?
  • Can the market forces bring prosperity to nations that lack resources to build an economy? Who will wait for them to catch up?
  • Is the good of the shareholder the only common good that should be considered?

Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches. (Isaiah 10:1-3)


In the light of the increased power of TNCs in matters of trade, investment, technology, development, and even national social and political policies, we reaffirm the APJN 96 support for the work on Benchmarks for Global Corporate Responsibility and gladly receive the final document brought to us at APJN 99. We add our support to the developing International Corporate Responsibility Network and recommend the Benchmarks for commendation by the ACC.

Globalization in some cases threatens the national sovereignty of countries that find themselves in difficult circumstances in the world market place. This is an important area for consideration.

Suggestions

That a working group be formed to consider the theological perspective and also to explore other economic models that may be viable.
Consult with the work already carried out by the WCC.
Consider what kind of body needs to be in place to recommend and implement safety restrictions on the progress of globalization and the nature of its impact.
We recommend that the ACC discuss the theological understanding and the role of the nation state in our present global system.