Christian Response to Corruption Launched
A new global Christian campaign taking a stand against corruption has been launched in London
EXPOSED – Shining a Light on Corruption has been described by organisers as an 'historic event as it marks the first time in history that leading Christian agencies and organisations have united against one of the major factors contributing to global poverty'.
The launch at Westminster Central Hall yesterday (11 October), which was chaired by Lord Paul Boateng, marked the start of a 12-month campaign of awareness-raising and action.
In the next year millions of people will be mobilised to commit to and promote practical steps for ethical behaviour in business, government, the Church and society as a whole.
The year will culminate in the EXPOSED Global Vigil against Corruption from 14-20 October 2013 and with the signing of a Global Call against corruption which will be handed to the G20 gathering of leading economies in Australia in 2014. Organisers are aiming to gather 10 million signatories.
Global partners include the British and Foreign Bible Society, the American Bible Society, The Salvation Army, Unashamedly Ethical, the World Evangelical Alliance and Micah Challenge International. EXPOSED has also been working with the United Nations Millennium Campaign and Tax Justice Network.
'I am convinced that we are responding to God's call to the Church to take a stand on the issue of corruption across the globe,' said EXPOSED International Co-ordinator Dr Dion Forster at the launch.
'Corruption is a sin. It is a sin that is perpetrated against the most vulnerable members of society. It is an affront to God. It is this truth that makes the EXPOSED campaign so important and so urgent.'
Campaign chairman and International Director of Micah Challenge, the Revd Joel Edwards, said: 'No nation is immune. This current economic crisis means that greed, the excesses of corporate cultures, dishonesty and unaccountable behaviour has touched us where it hurts. EXPOSED is here to join an increasing chorus of concern, which says 'enough is enough'.
'It is an opportunity for the church to do what we are called to do: to raise our voice in holy outrage and provide practical offerings of hope.'