The MCCA declares that work and leisure are part of God’s divine purpose for the human family and should glorify God and bring benefit to self and others. Hence every person has the right to work, to use their God-given abilities, skills and time to their fullest potential and to be justly compensated for their efforts. All workers, regardless of economic and legal status should enjoy safe and exploitation-free working conditions, and children should be protected from being used as labourers.

Unemployment covers people who are out of work, want work, and actively seeking work. Although a majority of able-bodied men and women are gainfully employed, there are many who are unemployed or unemployable.

God desires that we be gainfully and meaningfully employed, and experience the joy and satisfaction of work. [Genesis 1:28-29; 2:15; 3:19; Nehemiah 4:6; Ecclesiastes 3:1-3, 9-13; 9:10; Matthew 20:1-9; 1 Corinthians 10:31].

Leisure time adds quality to the life of workers, dignity and integrity to their work, work place and homes. [Mark 6:30-32].

Unemployment affects the individual and the family and can negatively affect a person’s mental, and physical health and feeling of self-worth. It can also create a breakdown in society which is manifested in poverty, substance abuse, increased levels of crime, and overburdened social programmes.

In creating the world God has dignified work, sanctified our rest and showed that all of life is under God’s control [Genesis 2:1-3; Isaiah 40:21-26]. It is vital then, that from early in life we become aware that through our work and use of leisure time we are expressing our obedience, and love to God and service to others [John 9:4; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 5:13; 6:10; Colossians 3:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11].

The Church must sustain its efforts in addressing the issue of unemployment and other related issues including poverty, lack of education and training, inadequate minimum wages, and the plight of the migrant workers in our midst.

THE MCCA BELIEVES THAT:
1. All work that glorifies God has dignity, however insignificant it may seem.
2. Equity, fair play, equal opportunities and benefits must be available to all.
3. Leisure time must be used to enhance our wellbeing and to serve God and others.
4. The rights of school-age children, domestic and undocumented migrant workers should be protected by the laws of the land.
5. Multi-skills training, employment-creation and resources must be made available to those in need.
6. Congregations should work in partnership with community leaders on social programmes with a mind to uphold the rights and freedom of the oppressed, the down- trodden, the unemployed and the marginalized.

Affirmed by the Faith and Order Commission
Thursday, November 05, 2015 @ 18.30 hrs