Westminster: day to focus on Africa's 'raw deal'

Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald will be chief celebrant at a special Mass for Africa in Westminster Cathedral Hall this Saturday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Africa Europe Faith & Justice Network (AEFJN). Throughout the afternoon, there will be speakers from leading NGOs, an exhibition and performances of African song and dance, highlighting Africa’s 'raw deal' in its relations with the West.

As the riches of the continent of Africa become known, a Global scramble for her raw materials is taking place. Land grabbing is striking fear in the hearts of many small farmers across the continent as more and more are waking up to find they have been dispossessed of their land. Turning land which has been growing food over to crops for fuel is causing food insecurity and price rises affect the poor. Many countries of Africa are awash with arms of all kinds and tragic conflicts are taking place. The AEFJN is joining all those agencies pleading with Western Governments to act now on the Arms Trade.

Speakers include Robin Palmer of Oxfam, author of several works addressing Land Issues; Jenny Brown of Christian Aid addressing Tax Justice; Francis Kwaku Poku, chief executive of Africa Reconcile & Catholic Light Ltd., and holder of Ghana’s highest award for contributions to peace & stability, who will address Arms Control. Martin Kalungu-Banda, Fellow at Future Considerations Oxford, will address Corporate Social Responsibility and facilitate the presentations.

The Vigil Mass of Sunday will begin at 5pm. The main celebrant will be Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, former head of the Congregation for inter-faith-dialogue and retired Nuncio to Egypt. The Ghanaian and East African-combined choirs will perform throughout the afternoon and sing at the Mass.

The AEFJN was founded in 1988 by 50 Missionary Congregations of women & men. It promotes just economic relations between Africa and Europe, motivated by faith and social teaching of the Church. It has an Office in Brussels with full-time-staff and branches in 9 EU countries; 3 branches and considerable outreach in countries of Africa. In Britain, the Africa Faith and Justice Network has a special focus on Climate Change, food sovereignty in Africa, and the livelihoods of small farmers. The activities of transnational corporations are monitored, particularly the effects of Intellectual Property Rights and Patents on access to medicines and seeds by Africa’s poor communities. Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Investment are promoted. Other themes include Control of Small Arms Trade and International Debt

All are welcome. The day at Westminster Cathedral Hall takes place on Saturday 13 April 2013 from 1.30pm to 6pm.

For more information on the AEFJN see: www.aefjn.org/