Document Library

Food and the Family (Christmas 2002)

This newsletter is one of startling contrasts. In some Western societies, obesity and ill health are the problems, while in many developing areas of the Anglican Communion the articles highlight malnutrition and starvation. But the picture is not simple and articles from UK tell of anorexia, a form of self starvation and its effect on family members. Other articles look at the effect of globalisation and practical ways forward such as the Fairtrade movement which works to ensure that food producers in the Two Thirds world are adequately paid for their produce.

The Burden of Care (Michaelmas 2002)

tells of parents coping with a disabled child, of children coping with disabled siblings and of how many find joy in caring and manage to care for numerous additional family members orphaned through AIDS. In countries such as Papua New Guinea and parts of Africa, the extended family and local community frequently help. But even here, the culture of such support is being weakened and the Church, as an intergenerational community with a mandate to care, needs to encourage the work already being done by organisations such as The Mothers' Union, the Salvation Army and many others, and increase its support for those whose burden is too heavy.

Women and the Family (Trinity 2002)

Many African mothers are desperate to get funds to help them educate their daughters and enable them to escape the cycle of poverty, early pregnancy, single parenthood and more poverty. Research shows that educating women and girls is the single most effective strategy for reducing poverty. Several articles in this newsletter show that women in many parts of the world are now the breadwinner for their families. For some, this can develop their opportunities and this newsletter also celebrates the strength of women, working to bring peace in the Sudan, more social cohesion in S. India, learning new skills in the Lebanon. But the extension of "women's work" can also be an added burden - particularly if there is little partner