Christians Unite to 'Blow the Whistle' on Global Poverty

Micah Challenge, a coalition of Christian organisations, is set to launch its 'Blow the Whistle' campaign, to challenge the UK Government to fulfil its promises to poor nations.

At the United Nations' Millennium Summit in 2000, world leaders made a promise to halve extreme poverty by the year 2015 by setting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

This year is halfway to 2015, and Christian leaders are launching the 'Blow the Whistle' campaign to call on our Government and the international community to look at the half-time scores and resolve to turn the match around so that extreme poverty and hunger really are halved for the world's poor by 2015.

Progress has been made - for instance, on debt cancellation - but more needs to be done on issues such as sanitation, trade justice, education, climate change and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Archbishop John Sentamu has lent his support to the campaign: "Let us join our voices together in holding our Government to account. This summer it's half-time to halve poverty, and many of the goals are in danger of not being met."

The press launch for the campaign, will take place in Westminster, London, Thursday afternoon, and will be introduced by the chair of Christians in Parliament and Conservative MP for South West Bedfordshire, Andrew Selous. He said: "I am very pleased to be hosting the official launch of the 'Blow the Whistle' campaign. The issues of poverty and injustice are of great concern; it is our responsibility in the developing world, to do all we can to promote security and prosperity for all."

Also present at the launch will be Tearfund's Chief Executive Matthew Frost, World Vision Chief Executive Charles Badenoch, World Vision's Advocacy, Communications and Education Director Rudo Kwaramba, and General Director of the Evangelical Alliance the Rev Joel Edwards; all of which are passionately backing the call on the government to do more in the global fight against poverty.

Andy Reed, Labour MP for Loughborough, also expressed his support for the campaign. He said: "This area is vitally important to the Government; progress has already been made on debt cancellation, and the churches highlighting these issues are a crucial part of the ongoing campaign."

Micah Challenge was founded in 2004 and is a worldwide movement of Christians, churches, church organisations and key individuals across 32 countries, with 13 more national campaigns to launch throughout 2007, to make sure that the MDGs are implemented.

Core members working within the Micah Challenge UK include: African Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA), Alpha International/Holy Trinity Brompton, BMS World Mission, Christian Medical Fellowship, Christian Today, Evangelical Alliance, Faithworks, Global Connections, New Frontiers International, Oasis, Shaftesbury Society, SPEAK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.

For more information on the Micah Challenge, please visit: www.micahchallenge.org.uk