Jubilee Debt Campaign brings faiths together to launch new project in Inter faith week
Stephen Rand, Jubilee Debt Campaign co-chair, said “There is a desperate need for further action on debt and global poverty. Faith communities and organisations have already played a vital role in the campaign; we want to build on past activities and engagement and together – in and through our faith communities, locally and nationally – raise awareness of the issues and speak out for justice.”
Steve Miller, Jubilee Debt Campaign co-chair and trustee of Tzedek – Jewish Action for a Just World – said “In a world so often characterised by division, it’s great to see people of different faiths recognising the common bond of humanity and the shared desire to combat poverty and seek justice.”
The steering group for the project has representatives from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities. Salma Hamid is the Birmingham Coordinator for Islam Awareness Week, which shares the dates of Inter Faith Week: “The theme for Islam Awareness Week 2009 is ‘Walk the Talk,’ about recognising our common humanity, celebrating our diversity and respecting each other. The Jubilee Debt campaign initiative is a great way to build links and get people to work together for the common good.”
The GLOBAL POVERTY, SEEKING JUSTICE project is already in the process of planning a conference for activists from the various faith communities so they can share ideas about how to build awareness and encourage action. A highly creative audio-visual presentation is also being prepared, highlighting the life and activity of the varying faith groups in relation to global poverty.
Ever since 70,000 people formed a human chain around Birmingham in 1998, urging the G8 leaders to ‘Drop the Debt’, Birmingham – with its rich diversity of faith groups – has played a key role in the campaign.
The launch of the multi-faith project will be part of a meeting for Inter Faith Week to be held in The Bordesley Centre, Birmingham, at which representatives from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities will show how they are engaged with issues of world poverty.
“The campaign to Drop the Debt is one of the most significant global people movements ever,” says Stephen Rand. “Much has been achieved – but much remains to be done. At a time of global economic crisis, people of faith taking action together to seek justice will demonstrate that our common values can bring people together to make a difference on global poverty.”
Stephen Rand, Co Chair 07889 158215
Audrey Miller, JDC Birmingham 07854 627470
Jubilee Debt Campaign, 02073244722