Christian agencies join forces to fight poverty

As part of this year's MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY campaign, churches and 30 Christian agencies are coming together to mobilise Christians to take action and urge the Government to make the eradication of poverty a priority in 2005, through trade justice, debt cancellation and more and better aid. On Saturday 29 January, as part of the launch of the wider campaign, an ecumenical event in central London will bring together Christians, activists, church leaders, other faith leaders, and anyone who wants to know more about how they can help make poverty history. The event will include talks from Christian leaders and campaigning experts, as well as music, action and a marketplace area where you can learn how to get more involved. All are welcome to attend. Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, will talk on 'Why should we make poverty history?' and Martin Drewry from Christian Aid, Stephen Rand from the Jubilee Debt Campaign, Alison Fenney from CAFOD and Paul Chitnis from SCIAF will give talks on: 'How can we make poverty history?' The MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY coalition sees 2005 as a unique opportunity for the UK to influence industrialised countries. This year, the UK Government will host the gathering of G8 leaders in July and assume presidency of the EU member states. "It is great to see people of all faiths and none working together to make poverty history in 2005," explains Stephen Rand, local church leader and speaker at the event. "This event is a wonderful opportunity to make sure churches have the inspiration and information to get involved after all, Christians are followers of Jesus who brought good news to the poor. Churches were key to Jubilee 2000: once again they have a vital role to play." Members of the public wishing to support this year-long campaign or get a white band should sign on at www.makepovertyhistory.org. People can also make their voices heard and exert pressure on Tony Blair and the UK government by sending a white band message by text, email or post, calling on the government to reverse the injustice of poverty in 2005.