Evangelicals say EU leaders must tackle eurozone crisis

Evangelicals are calling upon Europe’s leaders to do their “utmost” to address the eurozone debt crisis as they meet in Brussels for emergency talks.

EU leaders are to consider a new rescue package that includes expanding the 440 billion euro European Financial Stability Facility and dealing with Greece’s debt.

Prime Minister David Cameron told MPs shortly before departing for Brussels that his priorities included a deal on recapitalising banks and the implementation of a “firewall” to stop the spread of contagion to other countries.

He also said he wanted to see “decisive” action on Greece.

However, uncertainties remain on details of the package and whether it will be enough to stave off economic disaster on the continent, as officials played down prospects of a breakthrough at tonight’s summit.

The European Evangelical Alliance expressed “great concern” over Europe’s financial crisis.

“European political leaders should do their utmost to handle this crisis and the social agitation evoked by it,” the organisation said.

EEA General Secretary Niek Tramper said the crisis was indicative of a spiritual crisis characterised by fear and egoism, instead of love and respect for God and neighbour.

“The crisis is not accidental but a consequence of a moral crisis,” he said.

“Human and social values of justice, freedom and solidarity have been replaced by distrust, greed and self-enrichment.”