Resolution for best interests of the Haitian child
(& the abolishment of child slavery)

We believe: God has special regard for children because of their innocence and purity, and because they were made in His own image. He declares that children are the greatest in the Kingdom. In recognising that pure and authentic religion is to look after the weak and vulnerable in their distress, and speak up for those who have no voice, the Church has failed in its core responsibility. We the Church of Haiti now set about to rectify this and work in the best interests of the child. When we welcome children we welcome Jesus, because whatever we do to the least among us, we do to him.

Therefore, we as the Christian Leaders of Haiti, commit to the following:

1. To personally make greater effort to nurture deeper and healthier relationships full of affection and encouragement with the children who are in our home, church and community environment.
2. To ensure all children within our care have access to quality education (without bias), do everything possible to help children complete their schooling and make every effort to create opportunities for their higher education.
3. To recognise the personal value of children in our homes and to ensure they do not suffer any mistreatment, aggression or inappropriate dealings that would cause them to fall into sin.
4. To change our attitudes towards our non-biological children taking up residence in our homes and to love all children inside and outside the home without discrimination.
5. To create a child-friendly church environment where children can be taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ at their level of understanding in new and creative ways and to encourage an authentic relationship with God.
6. To create a space for the protection of children who are vulnerable at times of crisis and offer physical (food and shelter), emotional (care and comfort) and spiritual (prayer and counsel) support.
7. To teach our congregation members a Biblical worldview on the value of children through the preaching of God's word so as to challenge and sensitise congregants to improve the conditions of all children without preferential treatment or bias (towards age, gender, religion, biological status, or any other discriminating status)
8. To encourage our congregation members to reach out to their family, friends, and neighbours to change their attitudes and actions towards children (on how to protect, educate, and nurture children's health, emotional security, and spiritual development).
9. To work together with other churches in unity to create a strategic and definitive strategy to abolish child slavery and be active advocates for all children in our immediate communities.
10. To wholeheartedly give ourselves over in prayer to shape the future of Haiti (beyond our lifetime); seeing the best interests of the child and the abolishment of child slavery established in our nation.

We, the Christian leaders of Haiti, commit to being accountable and transparent in the outworking of this resolution and to hold others to account for their commitment.