“Any religion that professes to be concerned about the souls of men and is not concerned with the slums that damn them, the economic conditions which strangle them, and the social conditions that cripple them is a dry-as-dust religion. Such a religion is the kind the Marxists like to see – an opiate of the people” Martin Luther King
During the weeks of Lent, the End Hunger Fast campaign has had a remarkable impact. It has highlighted the scandal that in the UK, the world’s 7th richest nation, over half a million people are dependent on food banks.
Concern for justice
The campaign has focussed the concerns of the volunteers who give their time to help at food banks onto the underlying causes for the growing demand of their services. A commitment to compassionate service is building into a growing demand for justice.
It is significant that the Evangelical Alliance has recently thrown its weight behind the campaign, along with the Bishops and the traditional denominations. It shows how End Hunger Fast has united the Church in a rare and powerful way. Instead of the dry-as-dust religion that MLK spoke of, it has illustrated how the church is engaged in communities and united in its concern about the reality facing ordinary people.
Vigil on Wednesday 16th
This Wednesday, shocking new statistics will be released which will show the significant rise in food bank use this year. The collective reality of what is unfolding in communities up and down the country will again be presented to the government. Will they listen? Will they launch a proper enquiry into food poverty in the UK? Will you help us by adding your voice?
So on Wednesday 16th April between 6.00 – 8.00pm, End Hunger Fast have organised a vigil at Parliament. If you are able to get to central London then please consider coming. There will be speakers, candles lit prayers and a symbolic act of breaking bread together. Come along and let’s make a stand together.
Join the End Hunger Fast Vigil: Wednesday 16th April, 6.00 – 8.00pm at Old Palace Yard Westminster
More details, map and to register see the End Hunger Fast website
