Yet, despite the remarkable
track record of debt
cancellation, more than 40
poor countries, such as Haiti and Lesotho, are
still waiting to see their
debts cancelled. Every day
over $100 million flows out
of impoverished countries in
the form of debt payments.
This is money that could be
invested in health care,
clear water, and education
to help achieve the
Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs).
To
learn more see the
ONE
Lutheran Debt Fact Sheet
ELCA
Social Statement Policy
Sufficient, Sustainable
Livelihood for All (1999):
Commits
us to working for “Reduction
of overwhelming
international debt burdens
in ways that do not impose
further deprivations on the
poor, and cancellation of
some or all debt where
severe indebtedness
immobilizes a country’s
economy.”
_____________________________
Click
here for more ELCA
Social Statement Policy
related to debt
cancellation.
Sufficient, Sustainable
Livelihood for All
(1999):
Calls
for “addressing the barriers
individuals face in
preparing for and sustaining
a livelihood (such as lack
of education,
transportation, child care,
and health care.)
States
that “Outrage over the
plight of people living in
poverty is a theme
throughout the Bible. The
poor are those who live
precariously between
subsistence and utter
deprivation. It is not poor
people themselves who are
the problem, but their lack
of access to the basic
necessities of life. Without
such, they cannot maintain
their human dignity.”
For
Peace in God’s World:
Affirms
that “our nation has
responsibility to contribute
a portion of its wealth to
people in poorer nations
through effective economic
assistance,” and that the
purpose of such assistance
“should be to reduce hunger
and poverty in sustainable
and environmentally sound
ways.” (16)
Acknowledges that “While the United States
has been generous in
providing humanitarian aid,
our nation dramatically
trails the rest of the
industrialized world in
providing development
assistance relative to our
production of wealth.” (16)
