Parishioners across the Diocese are being encouraged to add their voices to CAFOD’s campaign calling on the UK Government to tackle the global debt crisis and help some of the world’s poorest communities.
Canon Seamus Keenan, parish priest of St Joseph and The Child Jesus, Bedford, recently signed CAFOD’s national petition, joining Catholics across England and Wales in urging the Government to introduce a Debt Justice Law and lead international efforts to reform a global financial system that leaves many poorer countries trapped in cycles of debt.
The campaign highlights how countries facing poverty, climate emergencies and humanitarian crises are often forced to spend more on debt repayments than on essential services such as healthcare and education. CAFOD is calling for legislation that would require private lenders to participate fairly in debt relief and prevent excessive profits being made from countries already struggling with unsustainable debt burdens.
As part of its campaign, CAFOD is also asking the UK Government to use its international influence to help create a fairer and more effective global debt system. The agency points out that a large proportion of debt contracts involving low-income countries are governed by English law, giving the UK a unique opportunity to drive meaningful reform.
The call for debt justice echoes the Church’s long-standing commitment to solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable. During the Jubilee tradition, the biblical call to restore justice and free people from burdensome debt remains a powerful reminder that economic systems should serve human dignity and the common good.
CAFOD has welcomed the strong response from parishes already supporting the campaign. In a recent social media post, the agency said:
“Great to see parishes already signing our petition calling for a Debt Justice Law and for the government to lead internationally on much-needed reform of the broken system that sees private lenders make huge profits from some of the countries that can least afford it.”
Parishioners are invited to join Canon Seamus in supporting the campaign by signing CAFOD’s petition and helping to build momentum for change.
To find out more and add your signature, visit CAFOD’s campaign page:
