Christian Aid joins Micah Challenge movement to halve global poverty

International aid agency Christian Aid has given efforts to halve global poverty new impetus by joining the worldwide anti- poverty coalition Micah Challenge.

Churches and Christian organisations worldwide have united under the umbrella of Micah Challenge to speak out against world poverty by actively challenging world leaders to make the promise they made in 2000 to halve poverty by 2015 a reality.

Christian Aid will join the existing UK Micah Challenge coalition, which includes the Evangelical Alliance, Tearfund, World Vision, Shaftesbury Society, Alpha International / Holy Trinity Brompton, and Christian Today, as they raise awareness of poverty issues among Christians and inspire them to do what they can to help realise the promise.

Matthew Frost, Micah Challenge UK chairman, said: "Micah Challenge is a movement of God's people acting on Jesus' message of justice for the poor. Christian Aid has 60 years experience in speaking out where there is injustice and campaigning for change where change is needed.

"I am delighted they are throwing their weight behind Micah Challenge. There is power in unity and when Christians stand together we can achieve more. Christian Aid joining Micah Challenge is a very visible sign of this unity."

Daleep Mukarji, Christian Aid's director, also welcomed the move.

"It seemed only natural that Christian Aid should join this coalition of Christians who have united to call for the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) to be met and poverty to be halved by 2015," he said. "Christian Aid joining Micah Challenge is a way of empowering our supporters to do even more to stand together with others and make a difference."

In a meeting with the Black Christian Leaders Forum at Downing Street last month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the international chairman of Micah Challenge and Evangelical Alliance Director Joel Edwards of his support for the Micah Challenge movement and close collaboration with churches in tackling poverty.

Just one week earlier, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon told international Micah Challenge representatives gathered for a two-day meeting in Washington DC that the movement was its "ally" in the drive to fulfil the MDGs.

Mr Ban said at the meeting, which included representatives of the National Association of Evangelicals in the US: "2008 should be a year of new directions. The United Nations can and must do better. We cannot do it alone. We need good allies such as you. We need the National Association of Evangelicals, Micah Challenge and others in the faith community to help be a voice to the voiceless people."

He added, "Your engagement can push governments to push through on their commitments. Do not underestimate your power. With faith and the will we can make a difference."