Archbishop Sentamu reflects on implication of the financial crisis

Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu (shown in a hat the rivals Katharine's) comments on the financial crisis and the state of the world.

The Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, yesterday highlighted the significance of the world financial crisis and discussed the implications for ministry for those struggling with the practical consequences of the downturn in the economy.

Reflecting on the need for active solidarity, Dr Sentamu said: "We have heard the predictions. This slough of economic despond is deep and we are told it will get deeper. For every statistic on the hundreds of jobs lost, there are hundreds of stories of individual hardship and of families in need. Their struggle must be our lament as we face up to our responsibilities.

He said: "England, you think you've got problems? It's time to get real.

"We live in a world where:

· a child dies every three seconds due to extreme poverty, almost 10 million children a year.

· One person dies from HIV/Aids every 11 seconds.

· Approximately 1 in 7 children in the world 270 million children have no access to healthcare.

· Every single day unsafe water coupled with a lack of basic sanitation kills 5,000 children.

· Poor Governance, in countries such as Zimbabwe, has led to malnutrition, a crumbling health system and the outbreak of avoidable diseases, like cholera, claiming thousands of lives in Zimbabwe."

Dr Sentamu explained that the challenge for the Church is both to engage with policy makers and to stand alongside those at the sharp end of the financial crisis.

http://www.indcatholicnews.com/sentm435.html