Instructions for Fasting

In light of the massive violations to human rights that will be visited upon the people of Colombia, especially the poor, already displaced, Afro-Colombian, and sacred indigenous people of the land, the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and the Igleslia Presbiteriana de Colombia invite concerned individuals and communities to participate in a seven day public fast, June 5-12, 2011, to end the violation of Colombian human rights that are assured if the US/Colombia FTA become law.

We will hold a conference call on Wednesday, June 1 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time in order to review instructions for the fast and answer questions from anyone who would like to participate. Click here to sign up for the call.

 

  • Fasting gives witness to public calamities.
  • Fasting is a form of lament.
  • Fasting is an act of remorse.
  • Fasting is a call to action.
  • Fasting is an act of solidarity.
  • Fasting is an act of reconciliation.

Declaration of the Fast of Reconciliation

I, ______________, take upon myself a public fast from June 5-12, 2011 in order to resist the US/Colombia FTA. May this fast purify my heart so I can serve the cause of reparative justice with compassion and truth. When the period of fasting is over, I will continue to fulfill my obligation to engage in acts of reparative justice. May this fast be for a blessing. Amen.

Guide to Fasting from morning to evening:
All eating and drinking is prohibited from sun up to sundown. Sick and very weak people whose health requires eating or drinking are exempt. One is required to eat if there are health reasons to do so, especially in the case of serious illness. A person who may become sick by fasting is also exempt. All necessary medicine must be taken. Pregnant women are exempt as are those who gave birth within twenty four months before the fast or are nursing children. Children are discouraged from fasting. If one mistakenly eats, regardless of how much, continue the fast from the moment you remember. Bathing, washing and other regular behavior is permitted.

Wearing white: For those who want to publicize the fast, you are invited to wear white. You can also create a wearable sign with a name tag that states your personal reasons for fasting.

A public fast each day
During part of each day we commit to tell others that we are fasting, and why. We will share a commissioning service litany in worship in all congregations on both June 5 (to begin the fast) and June 12--Pentecost (to break the fast). As you break your fast in the evenings, invite friends and family to join you in your home for a shared meal and talk with them over the meal about your fast. Ask to share a Minute for Mission in your home congregation, to be placed on the prayer list, to write a blog for your church website about your fast, and seek as many public avenues as you have available to you to share information about your fast, information about the FTA (send people to the PPF website for information) and why you have undertaken this fast as a person of faith and conscience. Do not forget to tell your story to your local newspaper and via Social Media.