In a time of crisis we have an opportunity,’ he said. ‘We won’t get an economic recovery unless we have a moral recovery.
‘We have a structural crisis and a spiritual crisis both at the same time.’
He told MPs – including Gary Streeter, Gavin Shuker and David Burrowes – Lord Wei, and the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones that change had to be led by the faith community.
‘Politicians aren’t going to rise to the challenge,’ he told politicians. ‘There are people in the business community who talk about changing values, but can they change their institutions’ directions?
‘The faith community could really lead here,’ he added, ‘at the congregational level and the political level. And if we don’t lead, I’m not sure that anyone else will.’
But, he warned, that everyone was culpable for the economic crisis, not just the bankers.
‘We are all involved in this,’ he said. ‘Consumerism is the drug of an unjust society. It quiets our conscience and it distracts our attention. We have been consumed by the consumerism maxim.'
‘Christians should have different consumer habits than their non-Christian neighbours, but most people over-stepped themselves financially in recent years and are now in trouble.’
The Westminster event was organised by Bible Society and Christians in Politics.
Jim Wallis is touring the UK until 27th November. On his ‘Justice Now’ UK Tour he is meeting local church leaders and activists and is holding as series of evening events which will focus on prayer, teaching, creative art and worship.
The tour has been organised by Bible Society, Spring Harvest, Chapel Street, Hope, Tearfund and Hodder and Stoughton, who have published Rediscovering Values, the latest book from Jim Wallis.
The Revd Rob Cotton, spokesperson for Bible Society said, ‘History clearly shows that Christians who have been inspired by the Bible have been the pioneers at the forefront of responding to real needs in practical ways. We need to rise to that challenge again today.’
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