Ecumenical Leader Lauds G7 for Canceling Haiti's Debt

By By Ethan Cole

The head of a global ecumenical body praised a G7 decision to cancel Haiti’s debt, and urged other financial institutions to do the same.

In a letter Monday to the finance minister of Canada, the Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, said he shared the same deep concern for the people affected by the devastating quake in Haiti and thus welcomes G7’s decision.

But he hopes that the debt cancellation does not stop with G7 nations, and that other countries and lending institutions will also be encouraged to forgive Haiti’s debt.

In late January, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) head expressed hope that the institution would be able to cancel all of Haiti’s debt, including the latest interest-free loan of $100 million. But more recently, other IMF officials have shown less enthusiasm for debt relief for Haiti.

“Your Excellency, the decision of the IMF approving more loans to Haiti after the earthquake will only add to Haiti’s burden, nearly doubling the country’s debt to that institution, as there is no clear willingness or definitive moves yet to cancel the country’s current debt,” Tveit writes in his letter to Canadian Finance Minister James Flaherty.

Tveit noted in the letter that WCC member churches are currently helping with relief efforts in Haiti and are committed to the country’s long-term recovery and reconstruction.

“We will continue to be engaged with extending such support to Haiti, particularly through the ACT (Action by Churches Together) Alliance, a WCC-partner representing many of our member churches,” Tveit said.

The WCC general secretary sent similar letters to the other finance ministers of the G7 countries, which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States. Canada hosted the G7 meeting that took place this past weekend.

On Saturday, U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown applauded the G7 decision to cancel bilateral debt with Haiti, saying “a nation buried in rubble must not also be buried in debt.”

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. More than 200,000 people died and more than a million people were left homeless.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories