A conference of Anglican prelates, which opened on Wednesday in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, is due to deliberate ways of overcoming poverty in the South, Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria said.
"In the past we went to the North, cup in hand, asking for donations to enable us to do our work; this can't continue," said Akinola, who is chairman of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa representing some 37 million believers.
Twenty-five archbishops from North, South and Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are attending the conference, which runs until 22 September.
The archbishops are part of a conservative network known as Global South, which brings together churches opposed to changes in the doctrines of the Anglican church.
The conference's theme of "Seeking ways to make poverty history" is expected to identify new ways for the poor to generate income without relying on aid from wealthy nations.
In its 2005 Human Development Report, the United Nations Development Programme said plans for achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals, including national Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers that set out frameworks for cooperation between developing countries and aid donors, should include measures for redressing extreme inequalities.
In his opening address, the Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza highlighted the importance of the church in developing countries while calling on the prelates to take a leading role in the fight against poverty.
"Many people come to you for spiritual guidance," said Makuza. "That is a priceless opportunity for you to teach them more about improving their lives."
Makuza said poverty was an even bigger problem "since it also attacks justice and equality".
Akinola said the church leaders would also deliberate on ways of "reinforcing" the fight against HIV/AIDS in the southern hemisphere.
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"In the past we went to the North, cup in hand, asking for donations to enable us to do our work; this can't continue," said Akinola, who is chairman of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa representing some 37 million believers.
Twenty-five archbishops from North, South and Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are attending the conference, which runs until 22 September.
The archbishops are part of a conservative network known as Global South, which brings together churches opposed to changes in the doctrines of the Anglican church.
The conference's theme of "Seeking ways to make poverty history" is expected to identify new ways for the poor to generate income without relying on aid from wealthy nations.
In its 2005 Human Development Report, the United Nations Development Programme said plans for achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals, including national Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers that set out frameworks for cooperation between developing countries and aid donors, should include measures for redressing extreme inequalities.
In his opening address, the Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza highlighted the importance of the church in developing countries while calling on the prelates to take a leading role in the fight against poverty.
"Many people come to you for spiritual guidance," said Makuza. "That is a priceless opportunity for you to teach them more about improving their lives."
Makuza said poverty was an even bigger problem "since it also attacks justice and equality".
Akinola said the church leaders would also deliberate on ways of "reinforcing" the fight against HIV/AIDS in the southern hemisphere.
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