Sharing Promises to the Poor of the World

In October Bishop Terry sent out a pastoral postcard to all schools and parishes in the Diocese

Dear Friends in Christ
Today, you’re about to make history – taking part in a remarkable worldwide event. You have many different voices but share the one message: stand up and speak out against poverty.
Every year sees 50 Days of Global Action Against Poverty organised by the United Nations Millennium Campaign and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. Together they represent the voices of thousands of concerned organisations and tens of millions of people.
The climax of the 50 Days is now: this Friday, Saturday and Sunday when anyone, anywhere can show their support for the poor and Stand Up Against Poverty. The days always include 17th October – the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Last year, nearly 117 million people took part, including over 60,000 in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
This year, with your help our contribution here will be at least a million people standing up and speaking out – gathered together as you are in schools and churches of all sorts. You’re also sending a message to governments – that the good citizens of today and tomorrow have concerns about the poor of the world that they want respected and addressed.
So now you’re invited to make history – to stand up and share our Promises to the Poor.
Let’s start by standing in silence for a few moments and listening for the voices of the poor coming from the east, west, north and south.
Now let us say to the east, west, north and south why the poor can count on us.
We promise to stand up for stopping extreme poverty and hunger. So we speak out today for the billion people who go to bed hungry every night.
We promise to stand up for reducing child mortality. So we speak out today for the 30,000 children who each day die due to poverty.
We promise to stand up for improving basic health. So we speak out today for all people fighting diseases which ravage communities, for ensuring clean fresh water for everyone, and for the care of mothers in childbirth.
We promise to stand up for promoting fairness, justice, and respect. So we speak out today for all those working for peace and justice and human rights.
We promise to stand up for primary education for all. So we speak out for children everywhere so they will get a full course of basic schooling.
We promise to stand up for respecting the world’s resources. So we speak out for those people already suffering the effects of climate change, and for those working hard to ensure that the riches and benefits of our planet are shared by all.
And finally we promise to stand up and speak out against poverty – again and again.
Many thanks very much for taking part. Now give each other a pat on the back and say Well Done for Standing Up Against Poverty.
Your Bishop
+ Terence Partick