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March 14, 2005

Speaking up for Africa

The Report from the Commission for Africa is out.

Have you even heard of it? And do you even care? Our news is of course dominated by home news and by events in Iraq. Yet, as Steven at two and two makes five notes, Africa tops Reuter's "top ten of forgotten emergencies" - Congo, Sudan, Uganda, West Africa, and AIDS.

God so loved the world...
A Christian attitude must include a concern for righteousness, compassion, and justice that extends beyond our own back yards to the world. We must care about more than just how international situations affect us. And an effective response must go beyond only giving out of our personal abundance.

There is not much new in the Commission for Africa report. And up to this point it is only words and good intentions. But it is a well-balanced report, calling for action from both the west and from Africa. It recognises progress in many parts of Africa, but calls for more to be done especially in regard to corruption and human rights. And from the west it recognises the need for action on aid, trade, debt, AIDS, and peacekeeping.

The key is implementation. What is different this time is that there does seem to be political will from some key leaders such as Blair. Others, however, are reluctant to go along. A Christian perspective must say that, as those who hold wealth and power, western nations have a moral obligation to act for the good of the poor and weak. And, as Christians, we should be calling our governments to act.

Take a look at the website for the Micah Challenge, which brings together evangelical groups speaking up for the poor. And also check out the "Global Week of Action" for April 10-16. Focusing on the G8 Summit and other main events for this year, this gives us all an opportunity to make our voices heard. As part of this, there are national campaigns, such as the Make Poverty History campaign in the UK. Do you know of similar campaigns in the US, Canada, or elsewhere? Is this kind of concern on the agenda for Christians where you are?

Posted by Keith at March 14, 2005 11:27 AM

Comments

Posted by: brad at March 14, 2005 10:02 PM