Multifaith project is launched
Posted by: audreymiller on: November 22, 2009
For those of you who missed it we have just had National Interfaith Week and “Islam Awareness Week”
In our region both have been celebrated in great style with colourful and most enjoyable presentations, many organised by West Midlands Faith Forum.
I was able to attend several of the events and was particularly pleased to see young people taking part in such colourful and imaginative ways demonstrating their faith and culture.
My own involvement came through the launch of a new project from Jubilee Debt Campaign – Global Poverty, Seeking Justice: People of Faith in Action This national project, based in Birmingham, will focus on raising awareness amongst all faith groups on the ways we can work together for the common good and in particular the cancellation of international debts.
Our launch event took place at the Bordesley Centre when 120 supporters from the six main faith groups of the city, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Moslem and Sikh.
It was clear from the songs,music and presentations how each faith has at its core so many shared concerns for the poor and the injustice of debt repayments. Wonderful news for me because I know dropping the debt, works!
If you want some examples – teacher numbers doubled in three years in Tanzania, primary school fees were abolished in Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia and in rural areas of Benin. Bolivia and Mauritania. There is improving healthcare, greatly reducing infant and maternal mortality rates in many more poor countries. All this progress because of debt cancellation.
With all faith groups working together I am sure we can benefit in many ways and achieve greater understand at many level. I have already found lots of co workers and friends through being involved.
Something reflected so well in the flyer and poster that are part of the promotion material.
Now we have to find the funds to take forward our plans for a Multifaith conference in the Spring and other educational schemes that will give every faith group an opportunity to bring about positive outcomes for the greater good of all not just in campaigners in Birmingham but across the region and then to be copied by other UK Jubilee campaign groups. But the real benefit will be the indebted countries having their own money to spend on health and education projects instead of sending it to the rich countries in debt repayment.
4 Responses to "Multifaith project is launched"
July 19, 2010 at 11:41 am
Hey Audrey,
I really enjoyed your blog and was hoping to use it in a handbook we’re making here at Jubilee Scotland – is that ok with you?
Thanks,
Alys
July 22, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Thank you for your comment. please use any of our content and link to our site if you and your friends need more information do get in touch again.
Audrey
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This is the blog of the local group of the UK campaign calling for cancellation of international Debt.
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February 13, 2010 at 5:15 pm
I cannot understand why you do not have participants from the ‘secular’ part of the population.
Due to extremest religious views being promoted in parts of the world, more and more people are thinking on secular lines.
In the UK, it seems that the majority are now not believers in ‘god’ or ‘gods’ in any form. By using the word ‘faith’ in the title, perhaps you have frightenend away those who would otherwise wish to help to support the poor throoughout the world.
March 22, 2010 at 6:36 pm
We do have large “secular ” body of supporters. and are open to all.
In the Uk we also have many different faith groups who are concerned about Global Poverty and issues of Justice.
The original Jubilee concept owes its origins to the Jewish tradition and has strong links to the Christian and Moslem theology.
The word faith in the title may well have draw them into the article. I am sorry if you did not find it helpful.
Audrey