Churches Together in Britain and Ireland - Economic crisis

church and public issues

economic crisis

g20 summit

US President Obama, photo: London Summit

On 2 April 2009, leaders of the world's 20 largest economies came together in London for the G20 Summit. This was only the second time that the G20 leaders (as opposed to their Finance Ministers) had met together and it reflected the seriousness of the current economic crisis.

The meeting aimed to agree means of restoring economic stability and stimulating global economic growth. Mobilisation around the G20 summit grew enormously in the period preceding the Summit. Churches and Christian agencies played a full part in this, believing that Christians have a major contribution to make, particularly in relation to sustainability, solidarity, and the restoration of underlying values.

News

8 April 2009
Moral values critical for building an equitable and sustainable global economy say Church leaders
Leaders of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the United Reformed Church and the Methodist Church have welcomed the communiqué from the G20 Summit and expressed hope that this might represent the start of a process of reordering global economic relationships based on more just and sustainable principles.
Baptist Union of Great Britain
The United Reformed Church

3 April 2009
Progress on some critical issues but also missed opportunities
G20 leaders have not yet gone far enough on the fundamental changes the world needs says the Put People First coalition.
Put People First

3 April 2009
G20 summit must kickstart much bolder tax reforms
Christian Aid welcomes G20 proposals but has concerns.
Christian Aid

2 April 2009
Official communique issued at the close of the G20 London Summit
The London Summit 2009

2 April 2009
Blind faith in markets must be replaced with new economic system
Gordon Brown and his fellow G20 leaders must agree an overhaul of the global economy to promote jobs, justice and climate when they meet today in London, according to Put People First.
Press release

31 March 2009
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Australian Prime Minister debate at St Paul's cathedral
Debate focussed on 'My word is my bond? Rebuilding trust - the G20 and beyond', with a discussion on the approach the G20 should be taking on the global recession.
Diocese of London

30 March 2009
G20 leaders must not forget promises to the poor - religious leaders communiqué
In advance of the G20 meeting, political leaders were asked to consider the moral issues at the root of the current financial crisis and to pay special attention to the needs of poor, marginalised and vulnerable people.
Archbishop of Canterbury website

20 March 2009
Churches challenge G20 leaders on real leadership
Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Church leaders have challenged the G20 heads of government, meeting in London, to show real leadership and ensure that solutions to the current economic crisis lead to action on global warming.
Press release

Useful links

London Summit 2009
Government information about the London Summit .

The official communique issued at the close of the G20 London Summit.

The 'official' collection of contributions from churches/faiths to the G20 debate.

Put People First coalition
A coalition of development charities, trade unions, faith groups, environmentalists and other organisations, formed to call for a fair, sustainable route out of recession. The website includes details of its policy platform, the London march on 28th March and other events.

Church service on Saturday 28th March, prior to the main march, will be held at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH, starting at 11am, organised by The Church of England, CAFOD, Christian Aid, MRDF, Progressio, Salvation Army, Tearfund and World Vision UK.

Put People First