Jubilee Justice Part IV

In this series on "Jubilee Justice" written by Sr. Ann Oestreich, we invite you to learn more about the crushing burden of debt on the world's poorest countries. We also encourage you, your family, friends, and students to join with others who are trying to do something about the debt crisis. A set of helpful resources is suggested. This list will remain there throughout the series. If you know of other appropriate resources on this topic, please tell us so that we can add them to the list. This article concludes our series on the serious issue of debt relief, but the need for responsive action by people of faith continues.

VII. What Can People of Faith Do to Bring about Debt Relief for the World's Poorest Countries?
The real work for jubilee will take place at many levels: personal, local, national, and finally international. When God's faithful, creative, dedicated people gather and take action on behalf of our suffering brothers and sisters, the world will surely change for the better. Here are a few ways to get involved.

• Pray. All of our efforts must continually be grounded in prayer for guidance, empowerment, and for our own transformation. Prayers on behalf of people who are living in poverty and debt relief in impoverished countries can be offered in times of personal devotion, as part of a regular worship service, and in public prayer vigils.
  
  
• Bible Study. Take up biblical themes such as "debt" (Deuteronomy 15:1-15; Matthew 6:9-15); "jubilee" (Leviticus 25; Luke 4:14-21); "justice and mercy" (James 5:1-6). Explore the relevance of these passages to the concern about relief for the crushing debts of poor countries.
  
  
• Study the issues related to the accumulation of debt and the need for debt cancellation. Contact groups working on these issues for the latest news and educational aids to assist you. (See previous articles for the names and addresses of groups working for debt cancellation.)
  
  
• Organize a public forum on debt cancellation. Invite a knowledgeable speaker to address the audience and answer questions on these issues and how they relate to our faith and the themes of Catholic social teaching.
  
  
• Contact policy makers including the President, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, your Congressional representative and your senators, and officials of creditor institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

In coordination with Jubilee 2000/USA, write letters, fax, phone, and e-mail these officials. Organize a visit to the local office of your congressional representative. Raise your concern for debt cancellation for impoverished countries at town meetings held by your representative.

Sr. Ann Oestreich, IHM, serves as Congregational Justice Coordinator for the Holy Cross Sisters of Notre Dame, Indiana.

For more information, you can visit the web site Jubilee 2000 at http://www.j2000usa.org