November 11, 1999

CLEVELAND—Presenters at the Jubilee 2000 Forum agreed that "Jubilee" or the ancient biblical tradition of restoring relationships through the freeing of slaves, returning land and forgiving debt, is a movement that has modern day relevancy for the church throughout the world. Jubilee 2000 is an international movement to urge governments to cancel foreign debt and restructure future global lending and development practices.

The Rev. Dr. Molefe Tsele, member of the Jubilee 2000/South Africa Committee, believes that the church can not ignore the Jubilee biblical imperatives found in the both the Old and New Testaments. Action steps proposed in the Jubilee 2000 campaign will restore relationships and improve life for the world’s poor, according to Tsele.

"More than one-third of the world’s population—almost 2 billion people—live in extreme poverty. Many nations are now so-indebted that there is no chance that these debts will be repaid," said Tsele.

The debt and the terms and conditions upon which financial assistance is given, produces a type of bondage that over-powers hope. What results is a modern day form of slavery where national sovereignty and democracy are secondary to loan terms and conditions.

"Jubilee 2000 is about an opportunity to have a fresh start, hope once again, and have balance in life and balance on earth," said Telefe.

Forum participant Dr. Jo Marie Griesgraber Chair, Jubilee 2000/USA Committee noted that Jubilee 2000 is a movement that brings people together across the world and is not limited to debtor nations or people living in the southern hemisphere.

"Jubilee 2000 is really about justice and God’s incarnate love and a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit. We are all invited to join in the movement."

The Jubilee 2000/USA Committee is encouraging churches and people of faith throughout the country to support the Jubilee 2000 campaign. "Everyone is invited to use their "bodies and their mouths, as well as their spirits." Opportunities for action include prayer and joining the Rolling Fast from September 21-December 31, 1999. The fast is a 24-hour juice-only fast designed to help participants, faith communities and persons of conscience to prepare for "a millennial year of action on the Jubilee issue."

Additional action opportunities include supporting debt retirement legislation, holding teach-ins and seminars on Jubilee 2000 and foreign debt and joining in rallies such as the Jubilee 2000 Rally for Debt Cancellation on Sunday, April 9 at The National Mall, Washington, DC.

Dr. Tsele concluded the morning forum by noting that the Jubilee 2000 initiative is geared at addressing a "specific kind of debt—the type of debt that dehumanizes and kills people."

"Ultimately, therefore, reclaiming the Jubilee tradition in the Bible is a faith statement in God. Jubilee is much more than debt retirement. It is about living and ordering our lives in ways that are right, building better economic systems and living more closely as God intends."