WHAT WILL future generations say of this age, where individual and collective wealth is greater than at any time in history, for the people of the western world, and yet we are prepared to watch millions of people starve to death.
Somehow we convince ourselves that we can do nothing — the problem is so great it is beyond our control.
This is not the case — all it requires is the political will to declare — nobody on this planet should starve to death.
When you consider the efforts of nations in wartime — look at the organisation for the D-Day landings — look at the miracles of organisation, action and sacrifice performed by Great
Britain in the Falklands campaign — nobody could
doubt that if the political will existed that the nations of Europe could prevent the massive starvation in Africa which seems inevitable at the moment.
In the light of these points what should be the response of the Church?
Firstly we should be roused to a state of anger that Government's are not taking effective action, and individually and collectively we
should demand an appropriate response. In fact we should behave as though it were members of our family or even
Jesus Christ himself who was starving to death.
The twin pillars on which apathy is built is the lack of belief that we can succeed and the lack of belief that it is really our responsibility. Pure belief in Jesus Christ and his message will destroy those pillars.
For the sake of those countless millions who are starving now I hope and pray that enlightenment and action will come soon.
Anyone who agrees could start by writing to the Prime Minister, your bishop, and this newspaper stating your position and demanding action.
There are supposed to be millions of Christians in this country, what effect would it have if millions of letters were :sent each week to the Prime Minister demanding action?
This, together with each Christian household deciding what is an appropriate amount to give each week or month and arranging standing orders accordingly.
How we could transform the world — if only we took seriously our role as the "salt of the earth". Most Christians I believe are willing to respond but leadership is required — leadership which will inspire and stretch the generosity of ordinary people.
D O'Doherty Huddersfield