Follow-up to the G8 Summit held in Gleneagles, Scotland, July 6-8

We prayed for the G8 Summit, especially asking that the leaders of the richest nations would work to eradicate or significantly diminish debt in the most indebted countries. In the Gleneagles Communique, what they write is very hopeful. On the web site of the MILLENNIUM CAMPAIGN, there are comments by some international organizations and NGOs, both positive and negative.

Kofi Annan, S.G. of the UN praises what they have done while others criticize. The critics say some of the debt relief pledged is simply a repeat of what nations already pledged and have not delivered; the aid offered is not enough and the Millennium Goal to eradicate poverty by 2015 will not be realized. Some agree that it was a start. Some say it was a great success. Many are cynical because of unfulfilled promises of the past and will wait to see if words translate into deeds.

Kumi Naidoo, Global Call to Action Against Poverty said: “The people have roared but the G8 has whispered. Currently 50,000 people die unnecessarily each day. If the leaders actually implement today's announcement in an urgent manner, we estimate that by 2010 this will fall to around 37,000.”

For more perceptions from around the world, go to
http://www.millenniumcampaign.org
Scroll down the page and click on to Mixed Reactions. If you want to read the Gleneagles Communique, click on it.

ACTION SUGGESTED:
Please continue to pray and to urge your government to implement the Gleneagles Communique for the sake of those 50,000 who die unnecessarily each day. Join the Millennium Campaign on their web site and receive updates and action steps in your local area.

Peace,
Sister Bernadette Sullivan, SFP