Ethiopia Broadcast June 12 2008 Those of us who have (or have had) younger children know how strong their sense of fairness can be. Heaven help us if one gets a bigger portion of ice cream or a taller glass of juice. Being seen to be fair and even-handed does not guarantee peace, but it goes a long way towards it. Once again Ethiopia has burst on to our news screens and once again many people there face starvation. I remember as a student minister many years ago having a rather startling conversation with an old woman who was complaining about the news. “See these Africans, that’s them starving again. And we sent money last year in a big appeal. What’s wrong with these people that they can’t take care of themselves?” That was a long time ago, but I think its fair to say this is still a common sentiment. The answer is – of course - that as well as failed rainy seasons, and food price rises, the odds are stacked unfairly and unevenly. Our corner of the world benefits from the trade rules and economic restrictions of institutions such as the World Bank, whilst the developing world faces an uphill struggle to break free from grinding poverty. There is only one way it will change. Those who benefit most must accept the challenge and give up some of our privileges. Or as one Christian author said: “Living more simply that others may simply live”. We can continue to watch our news broadcasts and notice the tragic regularity in which countries like Ethiopia appear, or we can relay to our politicians (whose job it is to represent our wishes) that we want to see these developing countries “develop” and grow. This is at the heart of what all religions say at their best. We’re a worldwide family. We need to play our part to share the resources of this world - there must be life and bread and hope for everyone. A fairer playing field for all does not guarantee peace across the nations - but it would go a long way towards it.