"The distribution of resources and wealth in the world is unequal."Using a recent example that illustrates this inequality, explain what Christians might do to support the victims of this situation.

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Rachel Roberts 11U                                             R.E Coursework

“The distribution of resources and wealth in the world is unequal.” Using a recent example that illustrates this inequality, explain what Christians might do to support the victims of this situation. You should refer to the Bible and the thinking / writing of Christian and Roman Catholic Tradition to illustrate and support what you say.                                          

         Over one billion people are living in poverty today. 

And the gap between rich and poor is getting wider. All over the world, disparities between rich and poor, even in the wealthiest of nations is rising sharply. Fewer people are becoming increasingly ‘successful’ and wealthy while a disproportionately larger population are also becoming even poorer.

Christian Aid, an agency of the churches in the UK and Ireland, is campaigning to tackle the negative impact of international trade rules on the worlds poorest people. Christian Aid’s purpose is to expose the scandal of poverty and to contribute to its eradication. They strive to be prophetic, challenging the systems and processes that work against the interests of people who are poor and marginalized.

Christian Aid has recently taken it work to Ethiopia, a country who’s name has become synonymous with drought, famine and war. Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world; a third of the population earn less than 70p a day, and many people rely on farming and cattle – herding for an income. There are now three million HIV - positive people in Ethiopia, the third largest number in any country of the world.

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In 2000, parts of Ethiopia were affected by the worst drought since 1984/5. Although the rains in 2001 have been better in most areas, it will take many years for some communities, in particular the cattle – herders, to recover. To tackle these problems internally is extremely difficult, particularly as Ethiopia still spends twice as much on external debt repayments as it does on health care.

Christian Aid is currently working with 16 local partner organisations such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Mekane Yesus Church. Their programme focuses on three priorities:

  1. Tackling ...

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