In the News

Archbishop Welcomes Prime Minister's "Global Lead" on Millennium Development Goals

Tuesday 31 July 2007

The Most Revd & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, has welcomed the Prime Minister's admission that global Governments have failed in their promises surrounding the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)and need to do more.

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In comments which welcomed Gordon Brown's re-commitment to action over MDGs the Archbishop described the speech as "a call to renewed partnership by all in our global village to work together to eradicate poverty. The meaning of partnership is that we sink or swim together."

The Archbishop also called on governments to utilise the work of faith based communities in their attempts to deliver progress.

"I wholeheartedly welcome and support this re-commitment to the Millennium Development Goals. The Archbishop of Canterbury and I are on record for calling on the Government to act urgently. The Prime Minister's global lead in this speech today is a sign of hope that such action is imminent.

"Seven years ago solemn vows were made to honour our common humanity through the adoption of the MDGs. These vows have been broken and we have clearly fallen behind. I recognise the Prime Minister's desire, as expressed in this speech, to fulfil the vows made and to deliver the MDGs once promised. This speech is a call to renewed partnership by all in our global village to work together to eradicate poverty. The meaning of partnership is that we sink or
swim together."


Making his comments during a visit to the Archdiocese of Perth in the Province of Western Australia, the Archbishop said:

"The MDGs have been supported throughout the Anglican Communion. Both the Archbishop of Canterbury and I have seen the absolute commitment of Churches in Australia, America, Canada and England in lobbying their Governments on this issue and also supporting the work of their brothers and sisters who are involved in delivering these outcomes on the ground.

"Faith-based organisations have become a key means of delivery in reaching those in need, particularly women and children. Our church schools and health centres stand at the centre of a development commitment by churches that is part of a 2,000 year commitment to human development. Faith leaders of many traditions stand at the forefront of this work across the world, and I among them look for real chances to deepen our commitment to them."


ENDS

Notes to editors


Interview requests can be made of the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt. Revd. John Gladwin, Chair of Christian Aid, who can be contacted on 01245 294424 / Pager 07654 382 674

The Archbishop of York is currently unavailable for interview.

For further information please contact Arun Arora: 01904 707021 / 07738 354491 or email arun.arora@archbishopofyork.org

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