Letter: The Pope is speaking out - will you?

Jenny Vaughan from Progressio writes:

Dear Readers

Exactly one month from today, Pope Francis will address the UN General Assembly. His speech will mark the beginning of the momentous Post-2015 Summit, during which the new Sustainable Development Goals will be announced.

Pope Francis' desire to speak at this event shows his commitment to addressing global inequality on a world stage, and is testament to how seriously he takes development issues. He has previously spoken out about the importance of the Catholic Church encompassing a Church of the poor, for the poor on numerous occasions. He showed his deep desire for a more equal world in his most recent publication, Laudato Si.

In order to show our support for the new Goals, and to show the UK Government how seriously we (as advocates for development) take them, why not sign this statement?

Dear Prime Minister,

As I'm sure you're aware, Pope Francis is speaking in New York in less than a month to open the Post-2015 Summit. The Pope is demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the world's poorest people and his desire to see an end to inequality on a global scale.

I know the UK Government does so much to champion development but, of course, there is still work to be done. The new Global Goals, which are set to be announced in September, will mark a new era for development, which I want to celebrate - just as the Pope is doing.

I want you to know I support Pope Francis' desire for a more equal world and, given the universal nature of the new Goals, I would like to see the UK Government do all it can to implement the Goals both here and abroad.

Thank you.

To sign the letter see: www.progressio.org.uk/stand-solidarity-pope-francis

We'll be sending the statement along with the list of supporting names to the Prime Minister as he leaves to go to New York in September, so that he feels the full impact of the weight of our support. Together, we'll show him how eager we are to see the new Goals implemented in the UK, and beyond, on his return.

As the Pope speaks out, we think it's vital that others stand in solidarity with him to show how important it is to create a more equal world.
We'll be sending out more information to get you clued up about the new Goals in the next month.

Thanks,

Jenny VaughanCampaigns Officer

jennyvaughan@progressio.org.uk

02073262003