We affirm the resolutions made at Lambeth 1998; in particular, we are aware of the urgent need for the cancellation of international debt to alleviate suffering in many countries. The churches to date have been able to make a difference. Most of the G7 countries have come up with good resolutions in the last six months and we have heard at this conference that Japan may also be ready to make a commitment.

As an illustration, we consider the case of Brazil. In 1989, Brazil owed $115.5 billion; between 1989-98 it paid $225 billion in interest. However, in 1998 it still owes $235 billion (Central Bank of Brazil). In other the words, the country is getting deeper into economic trouble, although a huge amount of its international debt has been paid. This pattern, we feel, must come to an end.

We wish to affirm the work of the Jubilee 2000 campaign globally, what it has already achieved and what it is continuing to do with churches and government bodies, and in raising awareness. There is still much work for the church to do. We call on the church to be involved in the independent, fair, and transparent process (Lambeth 1.15b) of ensuring that the cancellation of debt of the most indebted countries takes place immediately, and that a new system of credit is put in place.

There are a number of issues that we feel are important and must be kept in consideration:

1. The problem is at least two-fold. First, that creditor countries maintain power over debtor countries through crippling debt. And, secondly, that some debtor countries are irresponsible in their use of funds, plunging their countries into worse crisis. Some control over both of these instances needs to be in place.

2. Whatever new model or solution comes into being, there is the problem of paternalism. Jubilee means to release the captive, not to maintain control. This requires some level of trust and responsibility, and must be achieved through agreed instruments.

3. The decision making process must include both debtor and creditor countries so that concerns of each may be considered and there may be agreement on action taken.

4. The democratic process is important. The involvement of civil society is key to ensuring that accountability and transparency are achieved.

5. The involvement of civil society implies providing concrete education for citizens around the issues of the debt burden and Jubilee 2000.

1. The ACC should take up the Lambeth plan to commit 0.7% of income to international development programs; we affirm this.

2. There is a need for IMF and other agencies that are involved in providing financial resources to be also mindful of the social impact of structural adjustment programs.

3. There should be a focus on involving women in the decision making process that involves how resources are spent.

4. Churches and other NGOs should allocate resources to provide for grassroots education on this kind of economic issue.

5. New economic and relational structures

should be established between debtors and creditors based on mutual partnership in service to people, rather than on economic gain.

6. Consider stopping debt repayment and channeling those payments into a fund directed at improving living standards of people in debtor nations. Debtor countries could agree on the terms of such an agreement and set up structures for its implementation.

7. Work together with other agencies and womenÕs groups so that a balanced approach is achieved.

8. The efforts of ECUSA in support of a debt relief bill before the US Congress is affirmed.

The church needs to be the prophetic voice taking the lead in searching for alternative patterns of reducing poverty, empowering nations to achieve development, and protecting those who are lacking resources. It may be that there is a price to be paid by those of us who live in creditor nations. As ChristÕs ambassadors in the world, we should be willing to acknowledge that our lifestyles need to change in order to achieve the goals of justice and a fair use of resources. The cancellation of debt and the consequences effect us all, not only those in debtor countries. Globalization and international markets are controlled by market forces and the need to return dividends to shareholders. The church needs to challenge this pattern to ensure that justice is done.