Alternative Globalization Addressing Peoples and Earth

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rights – this is for the UN to handle. They believe that their work
contributes to human rights in the sphere of economic development
and related social policies, thereby complementing the work of the UN.
They maintain that growth and markets will reduce poverty.
In order to address the specific impact of Bretton Woods policies on the
ground, four case studies will be conducted as the basis for further work.
It is imperative to continue putting pressure on these international
financial institutions, which are the main actors in the project of
economic globalization.
6.3. The WCC/APRODEV study on Christianity, wealth
and poverty: the findings of ‘Project 21’, 2003:
APRODEV-WCC-related agencies in Europe and WCC have been
engaged in a study on “Poverty and wealth” based on case studies in 24
countries. It concluded that
“Poverty is still a major global reality. It has many dimensions - material,
social and psychological - and many side effects. It is characterized above
all by a lack of income and power. Wealth is the reverse of poverty, and
is just as great a problem unless and until it is shared by everyone and is
based on moral, social and spiritual values.” 28
In this study, it is noted that
“Excessive wealth is contrary to gospel teachings. It cannot be separated
from poverty. They have common causes and integral related
characteristics: the ability of the rich to earn a living, for example, is
the inability of the poor; the strength of the rich is the weakness of the
poor. Worse still, excessive wealth is itself the cause of poverty. The
drive to create a rising tide of wealth and become rich does not benefit
the poor and the rich alike. It does not bring an end to poverty but
often exacerbates it. And by concentrating only on poverty, attention
is deflected from the rich. At most, they are seen as possible source to
solve poverty. They are not seen as a major part of the problem.”
A culture in which greed and endless accumulation of material possessions
are regarded as normal and legitimate has to be eroded by alternative
values such as self-restraint, simplicity, a sense of proportion, justice,
generosity, volunteerism (a “giving culture”), holism and greater
discernment as to “means” and “ends”. Major questions were raised:
28
Michael Taylor, Christianity, poverty and wealth: the findings, ‘Project 21’, WCC
Publications, Geneva 2003, p.1.