• CCG's initial statement for the report, focusing on food justice as an essential element of human security;
  
• the report's executive summary.
  
  

What is Security?
Insecurity is a preoccupation throughout the world today—the events of September 11, 2001 and conflicts in Iraq, Congo, Palestine and Afghanistan are symbols of insecurity that have shaken and destroyed lives. Governments and people struggle to respond to conflicts and emergencies, to recover some measure of security. But what is security and how can it be achieved?—by military force, by acquiring wealth, by building fences (real and legal) to keep terrorists out?

There is a Biblical vision of security that concerns every area of life. Jesus came "that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). This promise is similar to the ancient Biblical vision of shalom: a condition of flourishing; of wholeness, justice and peace; of right relations between God and people, and among people. David the Psalmist explains that the promise of shalom and abundant life begins with God's act of creation:

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made
Psalm 145: 13(b)-17

In the light of the gracious promise of abundant life, all people, whether they know it or not, respond to God as his image-bearers in their daily activities: to nurture children, to work, to care for neighbours, to play and rest, and to care for the earth. Insecurity happens when people lack the resources and conditions to fulfil these God given responsibilities. For both societies and individuals, insecurity represents humanity's separation from God—an absence of shalom. Insecurities like poverty, hunger, oppression and war fail to reflect God's hope for creation. But Jesus recreates the promise of shalom through his life and ongoing ministry—he is the path to abundant life.

Human Security and "Our Mission"
As co-heirs and co-labourers with Christ, as his hands and feet on earth, we are called to seek out his promise of abundant life for the world. The hope of abundant life is reflected in a common vision for human security: freedom from want, freedom from fear—these are the basic conditions that make human flourishing possible. This human security vision is pursued by development, humanitarian and advocacy organizations all over the world—groups as diverse as the United Nations, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and Kairos Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, all pursue a human security agenda in one way or another. So too, our mission to pursue God's justice and peace in every area of life can include actions in support of human security and abundant life.

So, What Can We Do?
The vision of abundant life is a confident hope that Jesus is transforming our lives and the world around us. Beginning with that hope we can pursue God's justice and peace in different ways. Working towards abundant life for all is a long-term process, with a variety of opportunities and angles. The KAIROS Cultivating Just Peace campaign is one immediate way to join in this work. Making use of the Agenda for Just Peace action card is one step in support of justice and peace.

Here are a few further suggestions for how to pursue God's justice and peace on an on-going basis:

• Be informed: Whether it is poverty, war, corruption or some other matter of insecurity, take the time to reflect and understand the issues. Newspapers are a good place to start and you can get further detail from organizations involved in human security work. For example: visit crwrc.org, crcjustice.org, foodgrainsbank.ca, or kairoscanada.org on the web, or call CRC-Canada justice staff at (800)730-3490.
  
  
• Support organizations that address issues of human security.
  
  
• Interact with your Member of Parliament.

The CRC also has a number of ongoing projects related to abundant life and human security in which members are invited to participate. For instance, CCG will seek the input of CRC members and other partners as it engages in research and advocacy on human security and food justice. Food justice programs that contribute to a sustained reduction in hunger and poverty are an essential element of justice, human security and abundant life for all. The CCG is developing this project as a contribution to the upcoming foreign and defence policy review.

The CCG encourages you to be informed on food justice issues and to interact with MPs and government officials about your interests and concerns. A small number of actions by committed people can proclaim the message of food justice and abundant life for all!