Three Reasons the MDG Summit Matters to People of Faith
High-level officials are meeting this week to discuss progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In the midst of these meetings, a group of Christians gathered last night to praise God. Micah Challenge organized a worship service focused on the MDGs. The service was a powerful reminder that God is moving in our time to end hunger (as David Beckmann often says!). After last night’s worship service, I was reflecting on our call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. These high-level meetings may feel distant to most, but I believe there are three reasons why the MDG Summit matters to people of faith: 1) Promises, Promises. As one of the speakers said last night, “How long will people languish in the face of promises not met?” Too often, world leaders make promises to eradicate poverty without following up. Leaders are not held accountable, or they think we do not care about the needs of the world’s poorest people. This is where you come in. Your voice is powerful. As people of faith, we are chosen to speak up and demand that our leaders take action. Take a moment today to raise your voice. 2) Faith Without Works is Dead. The MDGs cannot be met by faith alone. We should pray that God helps us to achieve these goals, but faith without works is dead. Let’s encourage our congregations to put our faith into action by writing letters to our members of Congress, working at local food pantries, and educating others about the causes of hunger.
3) One Spirit, One People. Millions of people around the world are paying attention to the MDGs. They are urging their national leaders to commit to meeting the goals. Today, Ireland announced it will devote 20 percent of its aid funding to eradicating poverty. This is a huge step. As people of faith in the most powerful nation in the world, we must urge our leaders to increase funding for effective anti-poverty programs.
What is one step you will take today to help achieve the MDGs?
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Amen and Amen! Faith without works is indeed dead. We need more Social Justice Christians. We need more people who care, really care about people. Thanks for a great article.
Posted by: Kathleen on September 22, 2010 at 02:24 PM