Put People First: Don't forget the poor

Don’t forget the poor, say church leaders at Put People First rally

On the eve of the this week’s G20 economic summit the Bishop of London the Rt Revd Richard Chartres has called for action to help the world’s poorest people who are suffering most in the current economic climate.

He was speaking to a congregation of 1,200 at the “Put People First” ecumenical service before the main march and rally for jobs, justice and climate supported by tens of thousands of people in central London.

Bishop Chartres described the world as interconnected and said those in the developed world must not forget those in the most poorest parts and said it was imperative that “we stand with people in this global emergency.”

Father Joe Komakoma Secretary General of the Zambia Episcopal Conference and CAFOD partner also speaking at the service said: "Being a country that is dependent on copper mining for more than 80 per cent of its foreign earnings, we have about three thousand mine workers who have lost their jobs in recent months, and the number is likely to go up."

He continued: "Whereas rich countries can afford to come up with stimulus packages, worth billions of pounds, the poor countries, like Zambia have limited opportunities to cope with the current global downturn."

The poor had been most affected he said by a problem that had originated from rich countries.

The joint service was promoted by Tearfund, CAFOD, Micah Challenge and The Salvation Army among many other church-based groups.

It sent a message of hope through seeking justice in the outcomes at stake at next week’s G20 summit such as job security and a greener economy.

An estimated 35,000 people marched through London on Saturday under the banner 'Put People First – March for Jobs, Justice and Climate' the coalition of development agencies, unions, faith and environment groups - thousands of people marched to demand jobs and public services for all, an end to global poverty and inequality and a green economy.

For more information on the Put People First service contact Pascale Palmer, ppalmer@cafod.org.uk mobile 0778 5950585