Discussion leaders for the faith-based session include Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, founder and CEO of the ASMA Society (American Sufi Muslim Association); the Rev. Dr. Robert Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches; Julia Greenberg, director of international programs at the American Jewish World Service; and Pastor Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and author of "The Purpose Driven Life."
On the second day of the highly-anticipated event, TIME will showcase two faith-based heroes along with eight others who have contributed to the global health solution including:
- Dr. "Leon" Ngoma Miezi Kintaudi, director of the Department of Medical Services of the Protestant Church of Congo, who leads a network of 65 member communities, including 80 hospitals and more than 400 health centres throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Dr. Peter Okaalet, Africa Director of MAP International, who has produced Biblically based, culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS educational materials, trained local pastors and health workers and hosted significant HIV/AIDS conferences for Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, Anglican, and a wide range of independent churches.
"In the developing world, faith-based organisations have played a major role," said Gorman, who confesses to being a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). "It doesn't mean that the faith-based groups have all of the answers, but if you don't include them, you're not going to get where you want to go."
Most recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) chose the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to coordinate, monitor and report on the work of 3,000 professional and volunteer case managers in the delivery of services to people who were living in Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi when Hurricane Katrina displaced them.
Under the new agreement, at least 300,000 of one million displaced in the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina will come closer to receiving the financial and emotional help they need to recover their lives and become self-sustaining.
A recent report by the Associated Press published Friday also noted a closer relationship between churches and state and local governments developing as congregations in the Gulf Coast and surrounding states began to focus on long-term recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
Joseph Alvarez
Christian Today Correspondent
