EU PREDICTS ECONOMIC GLOOM

European economies were the subject of the latest European Commission forecasts, published this weekend and the outlook isn't rosy.

In recent weeks, some Governments have been gently suggesting that the worst may be over, but the Commission's report has some bleak headlines:

EU Economies to shrink by 4% this year.
EU unemployment to go above 10% during 2010 (as high as 11.5% in the Euro-zone).

EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner, Joaquin Almunia, reminded his listeners of the now familiar parallels with the post-war depression in Europe and forecast this was would be as deep as recession as many had seen.

At CSM, we continue to believe that comment and policy on the Economic situation is a priority for us as a movement and a priority politically for the Labour Party. It's with this in mind that our 2009 Tawney Dialogue takes place this week, asking whether the Church might provide a spark for the re-wiring of our economy.

John McFall MP and Bishop Stephen Lowe will be debating - a debate we believe is real and pertinent for this time.

If values are to be key to the new economy - it makes sense that people of faith make a contribution ot that debate ?

If, as seems likely, it will be the poor who again feel the brunt of economic decline - the Church as has key role to play.

If unemployment, debt and financial worry become more and more a part of British life and of ordinary people's concerns - our faith needs to make sense of these times and our love for others needs to provide hope, care and kindness.

Join us for the 2009 Tawney Dialogue, Thursday 7th May 2009. 6.15-8.15pm in the Atlee Suite, Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament, Westminster.

Andy Freeman, 04/05/2009