MPs taste injustice at anti-poverty event
The status of some of Britain ’s most powerful people was determined by a roll of the dice on Monday night (June 23), at a Micah Challenge event highlighting global poverty.
Lords, MPs and church leaders were among the people who rolled the dice to determine whether they would be “rich” or “poor” at the Westminster event, with the “rich” guests dining on sumptuous canapés while the “poor” were limited to bread and water.
Micah Challenge – a growing, worldwide movement of Christians and local churches standing together to see the Millennium Development Goals achieved – held the reception to encourage Christians to raise their voices on this issue. Micah Challenge believes that only a worldwide call for justice for the poorest among us will convince world leaders to take the action needed to see the Millennium Development Goals achieved.
Andy Clasper, Executive Director, Micah Challenge UK , said, “While some of us missed out on the luxuries available last night, this was nothing compared to the daily injustices experienced by the world’s poorest. The fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals is vital to change this.
“The Church worldwide is the only network that can hope to bring about the coordinated, joint pressure on world leaders that can prevent what began as firm commitments becoming ultimately broken promises.
“Micah Challenge calls on Christians around the world to come together in a united cry for an end to this injustice. This is an historic opportunity and we must act now”.
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development said: "Faith groups, through their network of followers, have the power to mobilise millions across the world and inspire others to do the same. For centuries Christians have been working to eradicate poverty.
“In this year of action on the Millennium Development Goals I am heartened to know this will continue and that together in partnership we are pushing to accelerate progress on the MDGs and truly form a global partnership for development."
The Millennium Development Goals – eight promises made by world leaders to halve world poverty by 2015 – were not only a great opportunity but a promise that should not be backed down on according to Micah Challenge International Director Joel Edwards . “Our Government along with 188 others around the world, made a promise, a covenant, to the poor. We want to hold our government accountable to do what they have said. We are convinced that if we fail the poor the world will be a poorer place. We will be the global conscience of our leaders with, and on behalf of, the poor.”
The event also saw the launch of Micah’s Challenge: the Church’s Responsibility to the Global Poor. In his foreword to the book, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown reflects on the role of the Christian faith in creating a more just world, “Micah Challenge is harnessing that faith to unite Christians globally from across church denominations to deepen that commitment to people living in poverty through prayer, service and advocacy. You are already making a huge difference.”
Later this summer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will lead an unprecedented mass walk of bishops and other faith leaders through London during the Lambeth Conference. In this public act, 800 bishops take up the Micah Challenge and demonstrate their determination to help end extreme poverty. The event on 24 July is organised in partnership with Micah Challenge UK .
The Micah's Challenge Laid Down reception took place on Monday 23 June, 8pm-10pm, at Atlee Suite, Portcullis House, Westminster . The reception is part of this year's National Prayer Breakfast, which sees hundreds of Christians come together over two days to pray about politics and UK social issues.
Ends
Press Enquiries:
Marijke Hoek 0776 627568
Notes to Editors:
Photos of the event available upon request please contact Lucy Cooper 02072072107
- Micah Challenge was founded in 2004 and is a worldwide movement of Christians, churches, church organisations and key individuals across more than 40 countries.
- Micah Challenge is named after the Old Testament prophet Micah. The challenge is based on Chapter 6, verse 8: ‘'What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God....'
- Core members working within Micah Challenge UK include: African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA), Alpha International / Holy Trinity Brompton, BMS World Mission, Christian Aid, Christian Medical Fellowship, Christian Today, Evangelical Alliance, Faithworks, Global Connections, New Frontiers, Oasis, Shaftesbury Society, SPEAK, Tearfund, World Vision UK.
- See www.micahchallenge.org.uk
- Micah's Challenge - editors Marijke Hoek and Justin Thacker – published April 2008 by Paternoster. CODE/ISBN: 9781842276068
- Millennium Development Goals
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Achieve universal primary education
- Promote gender equality and empower women
- Reduce child mortality
- Improve maternal health
- Combat HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases
- Ensure environmental stability
- Develop a global partnership for development
