The important word in the headline is “urges”. The diocese would rather not do anything itself; after all, why would it when it is so much easier to urge.
Anglicans join Archbishop to urge action on poverty in budget.
While agreeing that the government faces a major fiscal deficit, the brief notes society’s “colossal human deficit, of needless suffering, hardship and lost opportunity.” Foodbank usage soared by 19 per cent in Ontario in 2009, so that 374,000 Ontarians now use foodbanks.
Ontario’s government was also praised for positive steps, such as a commitment to reduce child poverty by 25 per cent by 2013.
Anglicans across the diocese are adding their voices in support of the brief. St. Martin, Bay Ridges, Holy Spirit, Dixie North, and St. Barnabas, Chester, passed vestry motions supporting the brief. St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Toronto, produced a bulletin insert.
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church makes this curious confession:
In their letter to Mr. Duncan, members of St. Matthew, Islington, said “it is immoral to live in a society in which the top 10 per cent of families now receive 75 times more income than the bottom 10 per cent.”
By their own lights, these members of St. Matthew, Islington are living an immoral life. Never fear, intrepid St. Mathews’ members, a moral life awaits you in a damp cave in the remote mountains of Afghanistan; bon voyage.
I am confused. Prime Minister Chretien made a commitment to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Does this mean that he failed? Were they just words to make us feel good? Is this announcement from the ACoC also just words that mean nothing?
Actions speak louder than words. Can anyone tell me what actions the ACoC is taking to eliminate this injustice? Or are they just talking about it?
I suppose I should not be surprised if they are just talking about it. After all, the revisionists that have taken over the ACoC like to talk until they get their way. Problem here is that talk is cheap and this time will change nothing.