Is Icesave an example of unjust debt – the LWF considers the issue

The ELCI has experienced first hand what it means to live in communion after the emergence of the global crisis which have greatly affected the country's economy.

Dr. Peter Prove, director of the Office for International Affairs and Human Rights at the WCC  has contacted the ELCI and asked if an action is needed regarding the issue of the Icesave debt, claimed from Iceland by British and Dutch autorities.

In cooperation with the LWF churches in Latin America have also offered to share insight and experience regarding the question of unjust debt. Bishop Melvin Jiménez, moderator of the Bishops and Presidence Conference of LWF Member Churches in Latin America,  has written to share the experience of churches in Latin America and the work of the Lutheran churches there to raise awareness about the existence of debts that are illegitimate from legal, moral and ethical points of view.

Says bishop Jiménez: "It is our determination to contribute to the ongoing global efforts to eradicate these practices. We see that we do have a role as churches in this respect."

The expression of solidarity from the sister churches and the LWF is much valued, as is the the offer of assistance. The Committee for Social Affairs has been in contact with the LWF to discuss how to proceed and the possibility of a seminar or round table discussion on this issue in Iceland.