World Poverty

AS we read the gospels of the past weeks we see the constant references to the ‘bread of life’ yet we know that we live in a world where warm coffee and croissants are a luxury not available to most.

According to recent data provided by the World Bank, poverty in the world persists. It is most widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, where 80% of the world’s poor live.

The World Bank estimate that three fifths of the world’s poor are concentrated in just five countries: Bangladesh, China, The Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Nigeria.

This represents 1.2 billion people globally living on less than US$1.25/day.

The most populous countries, like China and India, have played a central role in the reduction of global poverty.

But Australia’s foreign aid has been slashed in recent years? We Christians must do more than pray.

Rather, our prayer must be a living reality in our practice. We have an excellent SVDP in the parish. I believe we also need a Social Justice group.

If there are people interested in taking on a concrete project in Bangladesh, where I have contacts and ready-to-go health and education projects, please contact me personally.