Church legitimises government efforts to end poverty - minister

Christian groups' global campaigns against poverty have been praised by International Development Minister Douglas Alexander.

Mr Alexander described the church as part of the "well from which the Government draws its legitimacy".

He made his comments during a meeting with leaders of the Black Church Leaders Forum and Micah Challenge on Tuesday. He praised the church for its part in 2005's Make Poverty History campaign and for the role it plays in raising awareness of international development issues.

Micah Challenge is part of a global movement of Christians and churches who have united to speak out and act to end world poverty.

Mr Alexander called on Micah and the BCLF to work with the Department for International Development (DfID) on its Call to Action and similar development related programmes.

The Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance and Chairman of Micah Challenge International, said: "It was important for Micah Challenge and the BCLF to meet Douglas Alexander. It is crucial we continue discussions on this with the Government, while retaining our credibility as independent campaigners who have a mandate to hold world leaders to account."

Micah Challenge UK Executive Director Andy Clasper, said: "I was delighted that the BCLF and Micah Challenge UK were able to come together to represent the unity of the church on these issues.

"The Secretary of State gave us the clearest endorsement possible for the work we're doing in speaking out against injustice. We should take great encouragement from this meeting."

The Rev Katei Kirby, head of the African and Carribean Evangelical Alliance, said: "This opportunity for partnership, access and recognition should provide both the framework and the platform for the black Christian community to be a strategic partner in international development issues."

This week's meeting was arranged after Prime Minister Gordon Brown called on church leaders to help the Government achieve its poverty targets, during a round-table discussion with the BCLF and Micah Challenge UK in October 2007.