The Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development

The Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development (CCIDD) is an intercultural, ecumenical Christian retreat center rooted in an inclusive and liberating theology. CCIDD's mission is to provide opportunities for churches and other groups from the U.S. and Canada to encounter the presence of God in the struggle for justice in the Americas and to empower them to work for social transformation.

The typical CCIDD experience consists of a 10-15 day retreat program centered around education and reflection on global justice, specifically in the context of Mexico and Latin America. The program integrates faith and education with concern for social transformation. CCIDD staff work with participants so that they grow in understanding regarding the relationships between faith and social change both globally and locally. Incorporating biblical reflections, liturgy and spiritual exploration, this program is ideal for church, community and family groups as well as religiously affiliated high schools and universities.

All programs include contact with urban and rural Mexicans working for change, visits to a diverse cross-section of communities, cooperatives, and archeological sites. Within the program participants are encouraged through reflection and analysis to make connections between struggles for liberation in Mexico with similar struggles in communities back home. All CCIDD programs focus on individual and community empowerment to act for social justice. There is also free time to relax and explore Cuernavaca and the surrounding area.

Programs are tailored to the interests and needs of each of the participating groups. Most CCIDD programs address several of the following issues: urban/rural poverty, women in Mexico, local economies, globalization and trade agreements, the church and Mexico, racism, indigenous sprituality, history and culture, immigration, health, labor issues, militarism, sexuality and sexual oppression, human rights, the environment and racism.