Even before the Lambeth Conference got underway, the matter of international debt was emerging as perhaps the most important issue facing the Anglican bishops in Canterbury. The topic was discussed at one of the few plenary sessions at Lambeth, it was the subject of one of the section groups to which the bishops were assigned, and it was on the minds of many bishops during regional planning sessions for this conference held several months ago. Bishops from developing countries spoke of the need for international debt to be canceled. "We are not asking for debt forgiveness," said Archbishop Alberto Ramento of the Philippine Independent Church, "we are asking for justice." The contrast between the haves and have-nots was pointed out by speaker after speaker, and the descriptions of poverty experienced by residents of many of the dioceses represented at Lambeth was anguishing.

It is encouraging to see leaders of the Anglican Communion placing such an emphasis on international debt. It is an issue that needs to be addressed by the church in all parts of the world. International debt is a horrific burden for the poor to bear. The massive amounts of debt to international financial institutions or other governments accumulated by those countries in which the poor reside brings poverty and a lack of dignity upon millions. Bringing relief is a major test of the church's loyalty to Jesus Christ and a challenge to live by what he teaches.