The Asha Forum Declaration - Text

As part of Viva Network, The Asha Forum exists to inform, unite, equip and mobilize Christians worldwide; a) in preventing all forms of child sexual abuse, and b) in working with sexually abused children in the context of family and community, helping them become all God created them to be.

WE BELIEVE:

• Children are loved deeply by God, are uniquely created in God's image and are full members of the human race (Ps 139:14-16, I Sam 3; II Kings 5:2-3).
• God expects adults to train, nurture and protect children, especially those orphaned and oppressed (Deut 6:6-7; Prov 22:6; Eph 6:4; II Tim 3:14-15; Prov 31:8-9; James 1:27).
• Sexual intimacy is God's gift for expression of physical, emotional and spiritual intimacy and joy, and ultimately procreation within a monogamous marriage relationship of an adult woman and an adult man (Gen 2:23-25; Ex 20: 14, 17; Song of Solomon 4; Prov 5:15-19; I Cor 7:4-5; Ex 20:14; I Cor 6:15-20).
• Any sexual activity that involves children is destructive spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically to all involved and is to be strongly opposed (Prov 24:11-12, 29:7; Is 58:6, Matt 18:6).
• God fervently condemns, with warning of great punishment, causing any harm to, or not helping a child (Luke17:2).

WE ARE:

• A global movement of Christians caring for children at risk of all forms of sexual abuse.
• Autonomous entities working together to provide better help to more children.
• A focal point for information and resource exchange and the development of outcome driven collaborations.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

• Informing people everywhere, regardless of their beliefs, about the evil of child sexual abuse, of the Biblical mandate to respond and of the varying opportunities to do so.
• Uniting a global movement of Christians working to address child sexual abuse in any form, so that we may improve the quality, quantity and impact of services offered.
• Developing partnerships with government and Non-Governmental Organizations, networks and individuals, without compromising Christ-centered values.
• Equipping Christians to confront child sexual abuse effectively by addressing prevention, awareness raising, advocacy, education and rehabilitation primarily through partnership with local Christian churches.
• Mobilizing Christians everywhere to get involved by providing clear service opportunities that honor people's gifts and abilities.