[Us (USPG)] Reaching out to the poor should not be viewed as an act of charity – but as an act of justice, says theologian in new Lent course for 2015
These are the words of Dr Samuel Packiam, Director of the Henry Martyn Institute in India, writing in a new Lent study course published by the Anglican mission agency Us (also known as United Society, formerly USPG).
In an introductory article for the course, Dr Packiam writes: ‘Poverty exists because a few people are too greedy. But as one part of society goes on accumulating, the other part becomes poor. People have lived for centuries under this form of exploitation – but change is possible. We can do something about it.
‘A man who accumulates money, seeing clearly that his greed is part of a system that is damaging the lives of millions of people, lacks basic humanity. The situation is especially tragic in an era in which technology has developed to a point that we could live comfortably and there would be no need for poverty relief.
He continues: ‘It is time for us to wake up! The greedy need to be challenged about their responsibility to all of humankind. We need people who are willing to challenge unjust political structures in a democratic way; there is no need for violence. At the same time, we need to connect with Jesus on a personal level. Let us allow the Scriptures to bring us face to face and heart to heart with the Lord.’
The aim of a five-week Lent course – entitled ‘The gospel in action’ – is to help churches in Britain and Ireland learn, grown and feel inspired by looking at the global church family.
The course draws upon the work of the church in Brazil, Ghana, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Zambia, and touches upon issues such as justice, poverty, climate change, identity, self-empowerment, development and women’s rights.
You can read the course online or order as many study booklets as you need for your congregation at www.weareUs.org.uk/gospel
Us Director the Revd Tim Harford said: ‘The course looks at the meaning of the gospel from five different global perspectives, with insights and questions prepared by some of our church partners from around the world.
‘A course like this helps to challenge received ideas and wisdom that we might not even be aware of having. For example, every day we pray for our daily bread. In Britain and Ireland we can choose from dozens of varieties of bread at the supermarket, but communities hit by poverty have no guarantee of receiving daily bread of any brand or variety.
‘We hope that this course will inspired churches in Britain and Ireland to feel more connected with their brothers and sisters around the world, to learn from them, and also to feel inspired to put the gospel into action in their local communities.’
The mission agency Us, founded in 1701, works in partnership with Anglican Churches around the world, putting the gospel into action through a range of programmes that tackle poverty and nurture spiritual life.