U.S. 'can do better' to aid world's poor, says Anglican archbishop

Published: 2005-06-07

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The United States "can do better" in aiding the world's poor and hungry, said Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of Cape Town, South Africa. "Politicians need to be left in no doubt that public opinion, domestic and international, demands justice in relation to poverty and hunger," Archbishop Ndungane said in his address during the "Hunger No More" interfaith convocation June 6 at the Episcopal Church's Washington National Cathedral. "In 2003, the U.S. share (of foreign development aid as part of the federal budget) was a mere 0.14 percent -- the largest amount in dollars, but the smallest percentage of all the developing countries. However, in the last two years the United States has begun to increase its poverty-focused development assistance," Archbishop Ndungane said. "I am sure it is in response to pressure like yours. Keep it up -- we know this wonderful country can do better!" he said to applause from the more than 1,500 people assembled for the event.

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