One Trillion Dollars Go Missing Each Year: Shine a Light on CorruptionDion Foster - 1 Oct 2013

Is it fair?

Is it fair that a few thousand people in the world are billionaires while billions earn a few thousand?

Is it fair that some of the wealthiest individuals and companies in the world hide their income and profits in secret bank accounts, paying little or no tax?

Is it fair that many countries rich in resources like timber or oil end up staying poor while the leaders of the nations grow fat and privileged?

Is it fair that millions of people can’t get the most basic of services or medicines, or help from the police without paying a bribe?

1 trillion dollars are paid globally in bribes each year. Corruption steals around $150 billion each year from African economies - that’s about 25% of Africa’s income.

It’s the poor and vulnerable who suffer most from secret and corrupt deals. And that’s not fair.

So we think it’s time we took action. By changing our own heart and lifestyles, getting our churches and small groups involved, and taking action at the highest levels, together we can tackle the secrecy and the unfairness.

This month (October) will see hundreds of thousands of Christians in 150 nations standing together in prayer and action to stop corruption. God hates dishonesty and greed, especially when poor people are exploited.

And now we have the chance to shine a light.

Could you join us?

1. Take 60 seconds

Sign the Global Call against corruption. It’s a petition to the world’s powerful leaders, calling for more open tax regimes and greater transparency in payments to combat bribery and tax avoidance.

Our aim is for one million signatures to be handed to the 2014 meeting of the leaders of the world’s major economies, the G20, in Brisbane Australia.

There are an amazing 2 billion Christians in the world. Imagine the impact if just 1 million of us spoke out? So be one in a million. (Add your name before reading any further!) https://signup.exposed2013.com/p/247prayer

2. Take 60 minutes

Host or join a ‘vigil’ sometime between 14-20 October. Stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters around the world in praying for honesty in public life, and calling on local leaders to stop corruption.

It’s easy to do:

• Gather friends from university, your work place or small group, and choose a time between 14 and 20 October. If you want to invite your local politician, church or business leaders, even better!
• Grab some lights (torches, candles, phones etc.) and take your faith into the public square to shine a light on dishonesty and secret deals. There are loads of resources to inspire ideas!
• Don’t forget to register your vigil or action on our map to encourage and join your light with others.

All of us want to do the right thing and take a stand for fairness but the fact is, we can all get a little distracted… So let’s break out of bad habits and get involved. #shinealight

You can keep up with the Exposed campaign on their website, facebook or twitter (@exposed2013). You can sign the global call below.

All images are used by permission in accordance with commons copyright license terms:
Feature image is a derivative of the image 'Money' by Nick Ares.