In the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament (Ch.25), the Jews had a law that a year occurring once every fifty years, was to be proclaimed a 'Year of Jubilee', when slaves regained their freedom, and land reverted to its former owners. It was designed to protect the poorest in the community. Those who had borrowed money for various reasons, or had become slaves, or who had lost property, in the Year of Jubilee were to have it redeemed to them.
At the beginning of the third millennium as we celebrate the 2000th birthday of Jesus Christ, it has been suggested that as an historic gesture on this wonderful occasion, the Year 2000 be called a 'Year of Jubilee', when the Christian Churches ask for a new start for the world's poorest nations. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown has said 'I want the Millennium to be remembered not just nationally but internationally for the redemption of debt and reduction of world poverty'.
The government of our own nation has responded to our concern for the poor by setting up Millennium Gift Aid. Christian Aid has set up a scheme for donations and on gifts of £100 or more, the Inland Revenue will also give to Christian Aid the basic tax paid on that amount. It does not have to be a lump sum; you can choose to make it in instalments. If you pay tax, your gift will be worth nearly one-third more to Christian Aid. Gordon Brown goes on to say: 'I want British citizens to be able to contribute more to poverty relief and education in developing countries'.
The Year of Jubilee is seen by the Christian Churches as part of a wider picture of the redemption won for us in Jesus Christ on the cross and the importance of forgiveness. We Christians have been redeemed in Christ and because of this we ask the wealthy Christian nations to show that same love and compassion for the poorest of the world by cancelling out the great debt that they owe, in order that they can make a fresh start. Jesus reading from the Book of Isaiah at the beginning of his ministry said: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour'. (St Luke 4.18)
As the world's most powerful leaders meet in Germany this month to discuss international issues, an international campaign is organising a rally in various capital cities, including a 'human chain', to call for the cancellation of poor countries' unpayable debts. In London on Sunday, June l3th there will be a Rally in Trafalgar Square at l.30.pm and at 3.pm the formation of a human chain along the banks and bridges of the River Thames.
With my blessing and prayers for you and all in need.
Your priest and friend.
Fr Malcolm Ferrier
Return to the June 1999 Features page
return to Home page and main index
page last updated 1 JUNE 1999