Now is the time for prophetic action. The world leaders have come to New York briefed by their own economists and political advisors. They are negotiating commitments and generating their collective resolve as governments to achieving the MDGs by 2015. Clearly none disputes the worthiness of the MDGs. But even as they debate the best roadmap to 2015, world leaders are also weighing the probability that any specific commitment they make will pass muster with their citizenries.

But prophets don’t trade in probabilities. Maimonides, the Jewish scholar of the 12th century, argued that prophetic hope is belief in the "plausibility of the possible" as opposed to the "necessity of the probable." Likewise, biblical faith calls Christians to something more in this Kairos moment than settling for realistic probabilities. Biblical prophets and Jesus’ ministry calls us to sustain a vision where the needs of all are met in the economy of God.

At this difficult time in our human global economy, the prophetic witness asked of us cannot merely be one of words but of vociferous, concrete action. Now is the time to move from MDG education and promotion to a model that will enfranchise Episcopalians for goal-oriented action and commitment.

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • * Culture-Watch • Globalization • Poverty • * Economics, Politics • Politics in General • * Theology • Ethics / Moral Theology

1. robroy wrote: Let’s have a summit! Prophetic action! Renew our collective commitment to 0.7 percent giving at all levels of the church! And I believe that the money was for “raising awareness” not actually alleviating poverty. Money to go to the Democratic turned Episcopalian political lobbyists. September 30, 5:26 pm | [comment link]

2. A Senior Priest wrote: This percentage is so laughably inadequate that it amounts to a callous insult to the developing/two-thirds world. September 30, 6:46 pm | [comment link]

3. Daniel wrote: If TEC is really serious about this, they should take half of their litigation budget and contribute it to the MDGs.  I’m looking for the check in the mail when KJS is seen in hell on ice skates. September 30, 9:49 pm | [comment link]

4. JustOneVoice wrote: TEC could add what it would get in settlements to what they save in litigation and make a bigger impact.  All the new members they are getting will make up for the few minor loses. September 30, 10:38 pm | [comment link]

5. Undergroundpewster wrote: MDG = Major Distraction Goal September 30, 11:10 pm | [comment link]

6. Creedal Episcopalian wrote: Clearly none disputes the worthiness of the MDGs Even if implemented at a level far greater than proposed , the MDGs will do nothing to alleviate poverty and misery in the thid world. All they will serve to do is further tighten the yoke of despotism that enforces worldwide poverty. A typical U.N. program. There now, is that disputatious enough? October 1, 8:31 am | [comment link]

7. Frances S Scott wrote: Maybe TEC should seriously consider “walking humbly with God”?  On the other hand, maybe they are walking humbly with their god. Frances Scott October 1, 11:49 am | [comment link]

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