An article from www.saltlight.org/mag | © 2005 Salt and Light Ministries | http://europe.saltlight.org/mag/justice0505

 

Acting Justly?

These days, we hear an awful lot in the media about justice and Third World debt. Somehow, it has risen to the top of the political agenda in many European nations. It will undoubtedly stay in our headlines during 2005 as the UK government hosts the G8 summit in July – and for many other political reasons.

So how should we respond in our churches, if at all? Is it just an issue for those who ‘are into such things’, or is it a major issue in the heart of God.

Joy Johnston is based in Oxford, where she is currently undertaking a Masters in Forced Migration. We sent her to the recent Act Justly launch in London, on behalf of Salt and Light, and asked her to report back!

 

I recently had the opportunity to attend the launch of Christian Aid's Act Justly appeal, on behalf of Salt and Light. This appeal is inspired by Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God".

The main message I took away from this event was that it is part of our call as the People of God to challenge injustice and oppression in the world. As we know from James 2:17, 'Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead' and this article, drawing on resources from Christian Aid and others, is designed to help us take up the call. As well as examining the current situation, theology and issues of debt relief, trade justice and aid, I will present some ideas for action and prayer.

'This is not a matter of charity, but justice.' (Bono, 2005)

In 2005, the world is characterised by injustice and inequality:

• One billion people live in poverty
• Every day 30,000 children die as a result of extreme poverty
• The wealth of the three richest people in the world exceeds the combined wealth of every person living in the 48 poorest countries
• 40% world's population live in low-income countries, which account for 3% of world trade

God has provided enough resources for everyone in the world but the current unjust trade rules and the debt situation means that many countries remain locked in poverty.

This grieves the heart of God.

 

The theology

'He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.' (Psalm 146)

Jahweh cares for the destitute and is angered by the oppression of the poor (Amos 2:6-7). Jesus came into the midst of poverty and cared for the poor, outcast and downtrodden individuals of his day.

As a keynote speaker highlighted at the Leaders Conference, 2005, we are called to start by loving the individual in front of us. Whenever we feed the hungry, give the thirsty something to drink, invite in a stranger, clothe the naked or visit the sick or imprisoned, we are serving Jesus himself (Matthew 25:34-46).

However, God also demands that we act justly, as NT Wright reminded us at the Leaders Conference, 2004. Romans 8:18-30 tells us that God will one day put his whole creation back to rights, but Jesus has already defeated the powers of evil that enslaved the world in injustice and oppression. We live in the time between the beginning and the completion of God's restoration. As we take a stand on behalf of the poor and challenge the root causes of poverty, we join with Jesus in declaring the coming of the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:18-19).

 

The time

This year, 2005, we have more resources, knowledge and opportunity to fight poverty and injustice than ever before. The Make Poverty History campaign (MPH) unites 300 Christian and non-Christian organisations in their mission to influence the world's leaders to create changes that reduce global poverty. Christian Aid and others believe this is a timely prophetic movement. The campaign seeks to capitalise on a number of opportunities for Britain's leaders to influence others in the fight against poverty:

• The report of the Africa Commission, set up by Tony Blair in Spring 2004 to address development in Africa, has been published
• In July, the G8 Summit will be hosted in Edinburgh
• Britain has presidency of the European Union for the second half of the year
• The UN Summit in December will review progress on the Millennium Development Goals

The Make Poverty History campaign focuses on three main areas that are viewed as necessary for justice:

• Debt Relief
• Trade Justice
• More and better Aid

 

Debt Relief

'Jubilee 2000 is the most important social movement in Britain since Wilberforce's movement to end slavery' (Gordon Brown)

Founded on the Leviticus 25 principle of a jubilee year every 50 years to prevent a cycle of poverty, the Jubilee 2000 campaign was an example of effective campaigning that made a big difference. Many countries, including Britain, had huge debts written off after World War 2 and the Jubilee 2000 campaign arose from the conviction that the $375 billion owed by the world's 52 poorest countries was immoral. These countries have paid back their original loans but accrued enormous amounts in interest during the 1970s and 1980s. Following the campaign, the G7/8 countries promised to write off $100 billion but have so far only written off $46 billion. Consequently, the 52 poorest countries still have to spend over œ30 million every day on debt repayments.

The difference it would make to rich nations to cancel this debt is minimal and the effect for poor countries would be enormous. Christian Aid and others are ensuring that money saved on debt repayments is spent on healthcare, education and other services for those who need them most.

 

Trade Justice

'By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud' (Ezekiel 28:5)

'For every dollar given to poor countries in aid, they lose two dollars to rich countries because of unfair trade barriers against their exports.' (Make Trade Fair Campaign)

People remain poor because of structural inequalities. Currently, third world countries are being forced to liberalise their trade and compete in the world market. Rich countries attach conditions to aid that prohibit the subsidy and protection of poor countries' trade. However, this market is structured to advantage large rich industrial producers. Rich countries also subsidise their own farmers and 'dump' excess produce on the market, bringing prices down and making it impossible for small-scale farmers to compete. The recent report by the African Commission, set up by the UK government, recommended that Africa should not be forced to liberalise.

Fair trade allows a small number of farmers in the developing world to receive a decent wage, however the majority still find it impossible to make a living.

 

Aid

'Poverty will not be eradicated without an immediate and major increase in international aid.' (Make Poverty History)

In 2001, the world's rich governments promised to provide 0.7% of their national income in aid. If the UK reaches this target by 2008, an extra 1.5 million people could be lifted out of poverty that year. However, there need to be far-reaching changes in how aid is delivered so that it focuses better on poor people's needs. More needs to be spent on areas such as health care and education and there should no longer be conditions on recipients promising economic change like privatising or deregulating their services, cutting health and education spending, or opening up their markets (see above).

 

What can we do?

There is a clear command to the people of God to love our neighbour and love justice, but it can sometimes seem difficult to know where to start. However, there are many resources prepared by Christian organisations whose work is rooted in the gospel and can help us engage with the issues.

Act Justly!

The Christian Aid Act Justly appeal is an example of one such resource. They outline ways in which we can act, pray and give to bring about change. To help all members of your congregation think intelligently and spiritually about these issues, there are some excellent cell group resources available from (www.fish.co.uk/faith/actjustly/index.htm), which include imaginative ideas for action.

Speak Up!

Similarly Tearfund's Speak up Bible studies are designed be used on their own or as a course, building a cohesive understanding of how Christians can respond biblically, prayerfully and effectively to the challenge of global poverty (www.tearfund.org/Campaigning/Biblical+Campaigning/Speak+up+bible+study.htm)

Engage!

To engage more in social action in your community, Faithworks offer expertise and leadership for individuals and churches engaging in community work. Their website (www.faithworks.info) has information about planning, funding and running your project.

Pray!

Pray for:

• God to change our hearts and give us his compassion;
• Our leaders, that they would be committed to justice, and have influence on the world stage;
• Liberation from the root causes of poverty outlined above;
• Individuals in poor countries;
• Missionaries in those countries;
• Shop managers and shoppers (including ourselves) to be willing to consider the impact of our purchasing on producers
• You could also sign up for 24/7 prayer during the Global Week of Action (10-16 April, 2005) at www.tearfund.org/Campaigning/Make+poverty+history/247.htm

Many more ideas can be found at: www.tearfund.org/Praying/Prayer+resources/

Act

• Use Fairtrade goods in your church
• Encourage educated and ethical shopping (www.ethicalconsumer.co.uk, www.ethicaltrade.org)
• Ask for specific Fairtrade produce in local supermarkets (and then buy it!)
• Host a Fairtrade party - invite friends, make it evangelistic too
• Wear the Make Poverty History White band (available from the MPH website or Oxfam shops)
• Email your MP and write to the Prime Minister expressing your support for debt relief, trade justice and more aid. According to the Make Trade Fair campaign, this kind of action is the most effective.
• Go to Edinburgh on July 2nd for the G8 Summit (www.makepovertyhistory.org/g8.html)

 

More Information

For more information, stories, resources and ideas for effective engagement, see:
www.christian-aid.org.uk/campaign
www.tearfund.org/campaigning
www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.fairtrade.org.uk
www.maketradefair.com

'The Rough Guide to a Better World: how you can make a difference', Published by the Department for International Development, is available FREE in Post Offices and has a lot of information, including how to give financially most effectively.

 

Part of the problem or part of the solution?

Finally, it isn't chance or bad luck that keeps people trapped in cycles of poverty. It's man-made factors such as those outlined above. As citizens of a rich, democratic country, we find ourselves in the blessed and unusual position to be able to bring about change: We are inevitably involved.