Churches can be a powerful force when it comes to eradicating poverty in their community, said Stephen Allen, associate secretary of Justice Ministries. “But duplication is a luxury that’s best avoided.” Rather than rushing to do something, he suggested congregations look at the needs of their community strategically. This may mean backing an existing group or campaign, or working ecumenically to avoid duplicating services that are already provided.
The UN-recognized International Day For the Eradication of Poverty on October 17 is a good opportunity to invite a guest speaker, organize a community forum, include a special prayer or sermon, or write to an MPP.
Churches can also involve themselves in the Dignity for All Campaign, an initiative created by Citizens for Public Justice and Canada Wihout Poverty that seeks to pressure the federal government into developing a federal poverty reduction plan and anti-poverty act.
“Poverty directly affects between three and five million Canadians,” said Karri Munn-Venn, CPJ’s socio-economic analyst and member of Knox, Ottawa. “Everyone has a role to play in addressing poverty, but the federal government has an especially critical role.”
She said a federal plan would ideally include measures on income security, employment insurance, early childhood development, education and training, and social supports.
“Several provinces have introduced poverty reduction strategies and have taken steps to address poverty in their jurisdictions, but many of the issues related to poverty are larger than what can be addressed at the provincial level,” said Munn-Venn. “What is more, provincial leaders have consistently called for federal support and cooperation in order to effectively address the issue.”
To sign on to the campaign, visit dignityforall.ca.
Congregations can also look outside Canada to take action. With the number of hungry people in the world approaching one billion, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is urging Christians to fast for change and to celebrate World Food Day on October 16. Presbyterian-supported CFGB believes that Christians are called to prayer and action, and to demonstrate that there is enough food for all. To find creative ways to participate and promote food justice, visit fastforchange.ca.
CFGB reported a record fiscal year with $47.7 million spent on project commitments in 2008-09, up from $24.6 million the previous year. About $35.4 million of that total was spent on food aid programs, with food security and nutrition projects accounting for the rest of the funds.
The bank funded 98 distinct projects. The majority of funds (83 per cent) as well as tonnes of food and seed (67 per cent of more than 39,000 total tonnes) were spent in Africa—a trend that has continued in recent years. Ethiopia received the highest amounts in both categories at $9.9 million and 9,500 tonnes of food and seed. Nutrition programs were also at a record high with the costs concentrated primarily in Sudan. —AM, CPurvis, with files from CFGB
