Jubilee 2000/USA, Relief Efforts Are Topics at Hunger Conference

CHICAGO (ELCA) A worldwide movement to cancel huge international debts held by impoverished countries is supported by many organizations and churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Advocates called on local ELCA hunger program coordinators to spread the news of the movement and work for approval of federal legislation supporting its principles in Congress.
The movement, known as "Jubilee 2000/USA," was discussed at a June 24-27 conference held at North Park University here. The hunger program coordinators, representing 55 of the ELCA's 65 synods, assist the church in its work to alleviate hunger.
Hunger and a variety of other social problems have resulted in countries with international debts they cannot manage. The problems include reduced farm subsidies and devaluation of currency. Increased fees for public services, such as education, make it difficult for many families to pay for education for their children. There are 41 countries -- 33 in Africa -- classified by the World Bank as "Heavily Indebted Poor Countries" (HIPCs).
The 1997 ELCA Churchwide Assembly affirmed a concern of the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod about overwhelming debts held by many developing countries and the need for action to move the countries toward economic stability. The ELCA Church Council later approved ELCA participation in Jubilee 2000. The Lutheran World Federation, a global communion of 128 Lutheran churches, supports Jubilee 2000. The ELCA is a member of the LWF.
In March, a bill was introduced to the 106th Congress "requiring the United States to take action to provide bilateral debt relief, and improve the provision of multilateral debt relief, in order to give a fresh start to poor countries." Co-sponsors of H.R. 1095 are U.S. Reps. Jim Leach (R-Iowa), John LaFalce (D-N.Y.), Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Douglas Bereuter (R-Neb.), Barney Frank (D-Mass.), Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and Tony Hall (D-Ohio).
The ELCA, through its Lutheran Office of Governmental Affairs (LOGA), supports H.R. 1095. Other partners supporting the legislation include Lutheran World Relief, Bread for the World, The Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the U.S. Catholic Conference.
"The bill has specific language that all money for debt relief go to poverty reduction," said the Rev. Faye R. Codding, LOGA assistant director for advocacy.
For those interested in the debt-relief effort, Codding suggested putting together small groups to visit lawmakers and writing "personal, heartfelt letters" about the campaign to lawmakers. Inform local media organizations about Jubilee 2000 and H.R. 1095, and consider involving youth groups to develop creative ways to communicate the message, Codding said.
The issue will be a topic at this summer's ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Denver. Voting members will consider a social statement on economic life. Among its provisions is a call for "reduction of overwhelming international debt burdens" and "cancellation of some or all debt where severe indebtedness immobilizes a country's economy."
Advocates hope for passage of H.R. 1095 this year, said the Rev. Beverly Phillips, Bread for the World, Chicago.
"This is a great year for Bread for the World, LOGA and the ELCA to work on a piece of legislation that is being worked on all over the world," said Phillips. "We're part of a really big movement."
"Lutheran World Relief (LWR) heartily endorses Jubilee 2000," said Kathryn F. Wolford, LWR president, New York. LWR works in overseas development and relief on behalf of the ELCA and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Wolford also told ELCA hunger coordinators about one-third of funds given to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal go to LWR, which is working in about 40 countries around the world today. The World Hunger Appeal is the fund-raising arm of the ELCA World Hunger Program. LWR works with the World Hunger Appeal to raise awareness and develop understanding of hunger causes, Wolford said.
"Through the ELCA you are present in Kosovo and neighboring countries where people are suffering," Wolford said. LWR is working with and through partner agencies there "to help plant the seeds of reconciliation," she said. Recovery in Kosovo is going to take "a long time," Wolford said.
LWR intends to spend about $2 million this year for rebuilding in Nicaragua and Honduras as a result of Hurricane Mitch, Wolford said. The storm killed some 12,000 people when it hit the Yucatan Peninsula in October 1998. Relief investments have been made in organizations there to carry out a variety of projects, she added.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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