wfn.org | (CPSA Synod) Anglican commitment to Poverty and Debt Relief

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

Anglican Church of the Province of Southern Africa

by Martin Breytenbach, Diocese of Pretoria

THE CPSA has committed itself to make a meaningful contribution
to the alleviation of poverty by passing a motion on poverty, debt
and the environment.

"This is a Gospel issue," said Bishop Rubin Philip in seconding the
motion. The resolution not only calls upon nations and international
agencies to put an end to unjust economic and political structures,
but also commits the CPSA to fund a "Provincial Human
Development Program".

This programme, administered by the appropriate authorities in
each Diocese and funded from diocesan income, will be for
development projects for the poor and the alleviation of poverty.

Speakers pointed out that the inequitable distribution of economic
resources was not only international, but also within the countries
of the CPSA. They drew attention to the alarming escalation of
unemployment in Southern Africa and to the number of people who
are impoverished by the loss of jobs.

The Resolution follows:

This Synod:

1) mindful of the reports and resolution of the Lambeth Conference
relating to the Environment and Economic Justice; and

2) being aware of:

2.1 the alarming levels of economic injustice and inequality in the
countries of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa; and

2.2 the injustices in the suffering and poverty of millions of people
in our world today are a direct cause of the alarming destruction
and degradation of the earth's natural environment; and

3) further believing such injustices to be sinful, clearly condemned
in the Bible and contrary to the will of God and following the call for
a Jubilee in the Book of Leviticus (Chapter 25):

4) Therefore resolves to:

4.1 call on the governments of the countries of the CPSA and the
G8 nations and on the United Nations urgently to seek for and
implement a more just economic system which will prevent the
exploitation of the poor countries of the world to benefit the rich;

4.2 call on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the UN, in the
light of alarming escalating unemployment, to establish radical new
trade agreements which take into account the welfare of people,
the natural environment and the viability of agricultural and
industrial enterprises in developing countries;

4.3 further call on the governments of the G8 nations to cancel all
the odious and unpayable debts during the year 2000;

4.4 call on ecumenical leaders of the churches of Southern Africa
to consult with the leadership of the SADEC countries regarding
the establishment of more just economic structures and forms of
government and for the Provincial church leaders to consult with
Provincial government leaders;

4.5 call on the Dioceses of the CPSA to:

4.51 inform themselves and their parishes about the issues of Eco-
Justice and, to discuss them formulate a plan of action which
would lead to a more just economic system at international,
national and local level to support the Jubilee 2000 Campaign;

4.52 to fund a Provincial Human Development Programme at the
the level of at least 0.7% of annual diocesan income (calculated
according to the annual provincial returns from dioceses) for
development projects for the poor and the alleviation of poverty,
such program to be administered by the appropriate authorities in
each diocese to be appointed by and accountable to Provincial
Standing Committee.

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Item submitted by the CPSA Provincial Synod Media Team
Synod meeting in Durban, Diocese of Natal, South Africa

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