Categories: uncategorized
Date: 03 July 2005 15:50:03
Next up at the Christian Aid rally was Gordon Brown, the UK Chancellor. Before I give an outline of what he said I should say that a socialist did try and heckle (at an entirely inappropriate moment) and was ejected. Whilst I believe in free speech there is a time and place and raising your kilt, heckling in that type of meeting was uncalled for.
Whilst I have a healthy cynicism Mr Brown was obviously very committed to what he was saying.
He started by thanking those involved in the campaign, because they had been responsible for more progress than any politician.
He then explained there was only 1 moral universe & we were all involved in 1 moral crusade to stop the deaths of children and to ensure they can have the chance to go to school. As such he believes we are right in our demands. Those with responsibility have to answer the call.
This is a lifetimes work NOT just a week at Glenn Eagles.
Internationally debt relief has been agreed but, as the NGOs have shown, the Millenium Goals agreed by the EU are decades behind schedule. The EU is working together on increased aid.
What does not work is doing nothing. Our actions do make a difference. 30 years ago the church demanded action, it is finally in sight. Faith groups are contributing to this.
Trade Justice is about countries being able to decide their own decisions. There is a long way to go. As long as problems exist work needs to increase to deal with them.
Through globalisation we are linked with those in poor countries. In all faiths there is key teaching which equates to there being one moral universe - we cannot be moral strangers and pass by on the other side. We need to empower countries and empower the powerless.
What can Africa do for itself? Live 8 is about empowerment. The keys are moving to a situation where there is free education and free healthcare available to all.
The needs are urgent, many 9 & 10 year olds in Tanzania are denied secondary education.
He referred to Gandhi and the fact he said when you are wondering what to do you should think about the face of the most vunrable person you've ever met. He then told the story of a 12 year old he had met on a visit to Africa, who had lost all hope (& you could see that in his eyes).
We all think every child is special and should have a chance to be the best they can be.
The work involved is a lifetimes work, involving the UN, WTO and others.
In terms of how long? That was not what prophets focused on, they focused on the end change.
He affirmed we are all part of one moral universe. Weeping may spend the night, but Joy will come in the morning.
My reflections on this were that it was a good speech with a number of key points which show how hard he is working (with others) and why the campaign is working. However, there was still an implicit point being made about the overall value of free trade in a mainly market economy, which is still partly mixed.
They key point to me was though, if we want children exactly the same age as Third Party in poorer parts of the world to have a chance of a future we need to carry on working to move seemingly immoveable institutions forward.
Final point was it was interesting to note how much of the language he was using was the same as that in Gods Politics (whose author Jim Wallis was part of a faith based deligation which went to speak to the leaders of the UK earlier this week).