Editorial January 4, 1988 Issue

Children of light

Ann Kenrick

A recent series in The Christian Science Monitor, "Children in darkness—The exploitation of innocence," brought into focus the desperate situation of millions of children in different parts of the world who are exploited daily as workers, child soldiers, and sex objects. The pitiable plight of such youngsters, who make up a sizable portion of the world's future adults, especially in developing countries where most families live below the poverty line, highlights the need for a deeper understanding of what children represent in the world today.

People of good will everywhere are searching for solutions that will halt this exploitation of youth. We hear of organizations such as Defense for Children International, CHILD-HOPE, and of plans for the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child where steps to prevent the exploitation of children will be discussed.

As I was talking to a friend and discussing the crucial issues raised in these articles, and the efforts being made to aid children internationally, she told me she had been deeply moved by reading this Monitor series. She said, "What we need is a minister for children!" Then in almost the same breath she remarked: "But we have one already, Christ Jesus!"

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