·        We at Goodrington Methodist Church in Devon have a ‘Global Action Group’ where we meet monthly to discuss and take action on various global concerns.

·        To date we have supported various charities and some of our members have travelled abroad to give support to specific African projects.  We have also given our support to Christian Aid and Tearfund initiatives, as well as purchasing Fairtrade products where possible.

 ·       Recently we watched a Channel 4 TV programme entitled ‘The Great African Scandal’.  The programme highlights the appalling way in which we in the west treat our poorer neighbours. 

·        The International trade rules are an absolute scandal at present and this is being made worse by the European Union continuing to get our poorer neighbours to open up their markets to cheap European goods resulting in farmers and factory workers losing their livelihoods and becoming dependent upon imports. This is certainly not trade justice. In addition to the above, the IMF and World Bank continue to push policies that harm poor people.   

·        We feel that we cannot let this current situation continue.  As Trevor Beeson said “ Food for myself is a material question. Food for my neighbour is a spiritual one” In other words, if I see my neighbour in need, his problem may be physical, but our reaction to his need is dependent on our spiritual growth and sensitivity. 

·       We hope you will join us in persuading our government to withhold support for the World Bank until it reforms the way it lends money to poor countries.

·        By doing nothing, we are contributing to this appalling situation by our indifference. Please help us in trying to make a fairer world!