Micah Challenge Calls Christians to Rally Against Poverty

Leaders of Christian groups are calling on Christians to gather in London to support 'The World Can't Wait' rally aimed at world leaders ahead of the G8 Summit.

The rally, to be held on 2 June, comes the weekend before the G8 leaders meet in Germany to discuss issues including the fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals agreed in 2000 to alleviate global poverty and its consequences.

Events include a Micah Challenge 'Blow the Whistle' Worship Service at Methodist Central Hall, where worship will be led by Tim Hughes, and guests will include representatives of some of the world's poorest nations plus Matthew Frost, head of Tearfund, and Charles Badenoch, the chief executive of World Vision.

Micah Challenge UK is a coalition of Christians, churches and organisations in Britain united in their concern to fight global poverty. It is part of the international Micah Challenge movement of churches and Christian agencies calling on their governments to keep the promises they made in 2000 to alleviate world poverty by 2015. This summer marks the half-way point and Micah Challenge is running the 'Blow the Whistle' campaign to look at the half-time scores.

Hundreds of Christians are set to flock to the service, which starts at 11.30am. Three hundred "early bird" tickets have already been taken but more free tickets guaranteeing a seat are still available.

After the service, supporters will prayerfully walk to the banks of the Thames, where they will blow their Micah Challenge whistles at 2.30pm. They will be joining thousands of other people who will make their own noise with alarm clocks and mobile phones to call on the Government to honour its commitments.

Christians who are unable to get to Methodist Central Hall are still encouraged to join the main event on the banks of the Thames at 2pm, and take part in other activities on the day.

Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, a key Micah partner, said: "Christians coming together to demonstrate for the poor shows world leaders the depth of our concern and is also a good witness to people in Britain that the church cares about international poverty."