CT: What would you say to people who fear that movements like Micah Challenge are just another example of churches replacing theology with a social agenda?
JE: I think it is a legitimate fear. David Neff criticised his church for talking more about the MDGs than the gospel of Jesus. That's a serious indictment. It's important that we position ourselves in the Bible, in the love of God, and in the mission of God to the world. I think that is where our heart is.
We also shouldn't forget that Micah Challenge is a biblical name. It's our way of saying this is the heart and the motivation of our enterprise. We are not social workers at large, we are not social activists. We are biblical Christians seeking to behave biblically and we have spotted something that world governments have done that resonates with the prophetic imperative to care for the poor and we want to join that. We want to say 'good for you governments. You have tripped over Micah. Can we help you find the landing that God has given you?'
CT: Do you think Gordon Brown will respond to the Micah Challenge call?
JE: I think he will. I dare say the Prime Minister has a few things to do under the table, but I would be amazed if Gordon Brown didn't turn around in the near future and respond to what we are saying, particularly as Micah Challenge raises its profile and he becomes increasingly aware that Micah Challenge is a global movement.
I was at the very last meeting of Jubilee 2000, in December 2000, and Gordon Brown's keynote speech had right at its very centre a very serious recognition of the role of the church within that movement.
I was also part of breakfast meetings he had with Clare Short, who was International Secretary for Development at the time, and it was very clear then that he treated the Christian NGOs in the room as seriously as he did the non-Christian NGOs. So I am pretty sure in time he will come to salute, applaud and see ways of partnering with Micah Challenge - if we can help him to understand the dimensions of it.
CT: What kind of role do you see Micah Challenge UK playing in the international movement, given that Global South countries are where the need to realise the MDGs is greatest and the church is booming there?
JE: I think that's so important. Christians in these countries are saying 'don't be paternalistic, recognise the human resources and natural resources of Africa, and respond to our perceptions of our own needs'.
The trip to Zambia, which included the national director of Micah Challenge UK, Andy Clasper, was about finding out what was happening so that Micah Challenge UK will respond responsibly to the needs of the Global South. We have a mandate not to be parental but to be responsive.
CT: We have just celebrated Micah Sunday and the focus was HIV and Aids. What are you asking the UK Government on this issue?
JE: I think our message is that you cannot ignore the church in this battle against HIV and Micah Challenge is in a unique position to bring together some of the expertise within the Christian world. With our infrastructure across Africa, we want to work positively with the Government in the fight against HIV and Aids. That's what we are working towards.
