The status of some of Britain’s MPs and pers was determined by a roll of the dice on Monday night, at a Micah Challenge event highlighting global poverty.
Lords and MPs were joined by church leaders who all rolled the dice to determine whether they would be “rich” or “poor” at the Westminster event, with the “rich” guests dining on canapés while the “poor” were limited to bread and water.
Micah Challenge – a worldwide movement of Christians and local churches standing together to see the Millennium Development Goals achieved – held the reception to encourage Christians to raise their voices on te issue.
Andy Clasper, Executive Director of Micah Challenge UK, said: “While some of us missed out on the luxuries available last night, this was nothing compared to the daily injustices experienced by the world’s poorest. The fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals is vital to change this.
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development said: “Faith groups, through their network of followers, have the power to mobilise millions across the world and inspire others to do the same. For centuries Christians have been working to eradicate poverty.
“In this year of action on the Millennium Development Goals I am heartened to know this will continue and that together in partnership we are pushing to accelerate progress on the MDGs and truly form a global partnership for development.”
The event also saw the launch of Micah’s Challenge: the Church’s Responsibility to the Global Poor. In his foreword to the book, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown reflects on the role of the Christian faith in creating a more just world.
Later this summer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will lead an unprecedented mass walk of bishops and other faith leaders through London during the Lambeth Conference. In this public act, 800 bishops take up the Micah Challenge and demonstrate their determination to help end extreme poverty.