Call for debt cancellation
Quakers join others in signing an open letter calling for debt cancellation
As the European debt crisis continues, Quakers have joined with other faith groups to sign an open letter calling for debt cancellation and major changes to the world’s financial systems.
The letter, launched by the Jubilee Debt Campaign and addressed to the prime minister, calls for a ‘Jubilee for Justice’. In its biblical meaning, a ‘jubilee’ was a festival of economic justice when debts were cancelled and slaves freed.
The signatories declare: ‘We need economic and political as well as spiritual renewal in our society.’ They want to see an audit of debts in Europe ‘as a first step towards reclaiming public control of national finances’. They believe debt cancellation must be accompanied by major structural change, including fairer taxation, an end to ‘harmful lending’ and economies focused on community and mutual support.
Over 300 faith leaders have signed the letter, including Paul Parker, recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, the formal organisation of British Friends. Representatives of the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, Quaker Peace & Social Witness and six local Meetings have also signed.
They are joined by over twenty Anglican bishops and the leaders of the Methodist and Unitarian churches, along with other Christian leaders. Other signatories include Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Zoroastrians.
The letter will be delivered to David Cameron after an event in parliament on 5 February.
