EVER since the Middle Ages, when they were known for offering
sanctuary to those in dire straits, churches have had a proud
record of responding to human suffering. For many of us, the recent
positive press highlighting the many food banks in the UK run by
churches was welcome, but nothing we did not know already.
Whether it is running food banks, or night shelters, or raising
money for people caught up in disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan in
the Philippines, Christians are often the first to offer help.
Christian Aid, the organisation for which I work, is a living
testament to that generosity. It was established in 1945 by the
Churches of Britain and Ireland to respond to the huge suffering
caused in Europe by the Second World War.
In an inspiring act of witness every May, Christians across
Britain and Ireland take to the streets in the name of their faith
to raise money for the world's poorest people during Christian Aid
Week. The contributions of hundreds of thousands of supporters over
many decades have enabled Christian Aid, working with partners
around the world, to make deep inroads into the challenges of
poverty in some of the most fragile and desperate places on
earth.
I give thanks for the strong messages coming from church
leaders, who continue to emphasise the need for Christians to make
the concerns of poor people a priority. Indeed, as an ecumenical
agency we are encouraged by what seems tobe a renewed energy across
the denominations for engagementon issues of poverty and social
justice.
POPE FRANCIS has made headlines around the world with his fresh
articulation of Roman Catholic social teaching. I was moved by the
words of the Archbishop of Canterbury at last November's World
Council of Churches' gathering in Busan, South Korea: "The true
children of Christ act instinctively to love those who suffer, as
he loves us. If justice fades, hope faints. But when justice is
loved, and lived, the poor have hope, and the whole world begins to
sing."
Speaking on her recent visit to London, the Moderator of the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Revd Lorna Hood,
put it this way: "A bias to the poor is what the Church of Scotland
sees as a priority in its life and mission."
For me, these messages speak to more than acts of charity in the
sense of alleviating the symptoms of poverty. They speak to our
calling to act in solidarity with those in poverty, and so to look
for permanent solutions to the marginalisation and deprivation they
face.
HERE is where I think we still have more to do together, to live
out our Christian calling. We need to challenge and secure change
to the systems and structures that keep people poor. I understand
that clergy and congregations are besieged with causes, and, with
campaigning, the journey can be long and uncertain, but no one said
following Jesus was going to be easy.
I can see, too, why Churches often steer clear of potentially
divisive party politics, but being "political", in general terms,
is an important part of contributing to a healthy society.
Christians have a great deal to offer the political discourse,
and I fear that we let down those in need when we vacate that space
and leave it only to secular voices. When I found my faith again in
2002, I, too, thought politics was something better dealt with
outside church. I was one of those people whom Archbishop Desmond
Tutu was talking about when he said: "To those people who say the
Bible is not political, I have to say, what Bible are you
reading?"
It is safer and easier for us to keep our heads down, and not
draw flak for speaking uncomfortable truth to power. But that did
not stop Jesus from being overtly political. As well as being the
Son of God, he was a radical activist, who challenged the powerful
status quo of his time. He turned over the moneylenders' tables in
the Temple, he preached good news to the poor, and he had a message
of love so threatening to the powerful élite that they felt
compelled to have him executed.
We have seen what can be achieved when churches come together.
Christians here were crucial in the fight against apartheid. In the
United States, led by Martin Luther King, they played a significant
part in the civil-rights movement. More recently, we had the
Jubilee Debt Campaign, which has led to $130 billion in debt
cancellation.
THERE are still some big issues that need the prophetic voice of
the Church. Climate change is a scourge for many of the world's
poorest people. Unscrupulous companies get rich from working in
poor countries, yet fail to pay their fair share of tax in
return.
We can be the voice of the voiceless and speak up on these
issues in a way that gives politicians the encouragement and
pressure they need to take the long-term view that is best for all
God's people, not just some of them.
It might not be well reported,but many Christians are actively
engaged in campaigning in thisway. But there is more we can and
should do. Archbishop Welby again: "When I read my Bible, I find
that Jesus commands me to be very outspoken about the pressures on
the poor." Although it can feel uncomfortable at times, I believe
that challenging the powerful is one of the most effective acts of
Christian witness.
A final thought: I am increasingly uncomfortable with the
competition between the needs of people here in the UK and those
overseas, and between those alive today and those yet to be
born.
"Charity begins at home" is a cliché used to prioritise the
needs of people here. But when Jesus called us to love our
neighbours, I think we can be confident that he did not have any
postcodes in mind.
I believe that we are called into right relationship with all
people, God's image being present in everyone - North and South,
today and tomorrow. And when we and our own country have had a hand
in causing the problems affecting those far off, such as climate
change, then we should be part of the solution.
Christians are increasingly seen as out of touch and divided
over issues of sex and sexuality. We need to show the world another
perspective. In the next couple of years, we face opportunities
where the Christian voice on global suffering and poverty has to be
heard: in the European elections, in crucial meetings to agree
global strategies to tackle climate change, and, of course, the
Westminster elections.
When we speak out on suffering and poverty - whether at home or
overseas - then we will show God's love to the world.
Loretta Minghella is the Chief Executive Officer of
Christian Aid.