
This is a moment in history of unique potential,when the stated intentions of world leadersecho something of the mind of the Biblical prophetsand the teachings of Jesus concerning the poor, andwhen we have the means to dramatically reduce poverty.
We commit ourselves, as followers of Jesus,to work together for the holistic transformation of our communities, to pursue justice, to be passionate about kindness and walk humbly with God.
We call on international and national decision-makersof both rich and poor nations, to fulfil their public promiseto achieve the Millennium Development Goalsand halve absolute global poverty by 2015.
We also call on the people of Hong Kong,particularly those in leadership positions in government,and business, in the professions and in the community,to embrace the weak and the vulnerable in our midstbecause we too have been weak and vulnerable. We say yes to economic growthbut not at the expense of corporate responsibility;yes to enhanced competitivenessbut not unmindful of employee welfare.
We call on Christians everywhere to live out their faithin action to empower the poor and support the weak,working hand in hand with governments, businesses and the NGO sectorto ensure the full accountability of decision-makershere in this city and all over the world.
Let the well-being of people be top of the agendaand let there be fairness in the marketplace.We believe the birth of a peaceful worldbegins with governments ensuring fairness in trade,and the people engaging in acts of mercy.
From a Group of Hong Kong Christians at the time of the WTO Ministerial Meeting 2005
cat. = action, christians, hong kong, poverty