Religious leaders take case for increased African aid to White House

Published: 2005-06-28

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A coalition of religious leaders met with two National Security Council officials June 27 at the White House, hoping to make a case for President George W. Bush to increase aid to Africa to bring an end to hunger and extreme poverty there. The officials were appreciative but noncommittal, according to the Rev. David Beckmann, president of the anti-hunger lobby Bread for the World. Religious leaders continued to express their hope that Bush would announce a major policy initiative on Africa June 30 before he leaves for the Group of Eight summit, which will be held July 6-8 in Gleneagles, Scotland. Later on June 27, the U.S. religious leaders who met with the security council officials flew to England to meet with their British counterparts in advance of the G-8 summit. They also had a meeting scheduled with Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury, June 29, and planned to brief the international press that day on African aid efforts.

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