Forgiving what’s owed: What does the Bible say about the controversial issue of debt relief?
Debt is a Biblical issue, with verses across the Old and New Testaments calling for leniency and forgiveness. Despite this, it remains a thorny issue. JONATHAN FOYE canvases some Christian views on what can be a controversial subject…
Pakistan will “absolutely not” default on debts despite floods: Finance Minister
Islamabad, PakistanReuters Pakistan will “absolutely not” default on debt obligations despite catastrophic floods, the finance minister said on Sunday, signalling there would be no major deviation from reforms designed to stabilise a struggling economy. Floods have affected 33 million Pakistanis, inflicted billions of dollars in damage, and killed over 1,500 people – creating concern that […]
Essay: What the Bible really says about loan forgiveness
ROGER S NAM, a former financial analyst who is now professor of Hebrew Bible at Candler School of Theology, writes about why Biblical texts “should not be proof-texted to support contrary opinions” on the US student debt relief proposal announced this week…
Black seminaries: Graduates face higher debt than others as they cope with money and ministry
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on the situation of debt facing many Black seminary seminary graduates in the US…
No ‘Squid Game’: South Korea’s real-life debt trap
Seoul, South KoreaReuters Many small business owners in South Korea recognise themselves in the cash-strapped characters of the wildly popular Netflix drama Squid Game, who vie desperately for a chance to win $US38 million, exposing a debt trap that is all too familiar. Nearing retirement at 58, Yu Hee-sook paid off her debts long ago, […]
The Long Read: “No safety nets” – debts weigh on grieving Indian families
ROLI SRIVASTAVA AND ANURADHA NAGARAJ, of Thomson Reuters Foundation, report on the dramatic impacts the coronavirus pandemic has has on many living in India…
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church celebrates paid-off debts at major meeting
RNS The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church opened its General Conference in the US with a worship service celebrating its paid-off debts. “We loved our church and we wanted to make sure that when we came to General Conference we would have enough money saved by making these transactions, so when we came here the […]
Wow!: In Ohio, Wilberforce University, AME Church school, cancels debt for 2020, 2021 grads
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports from the US…
United Church of Christ congregations in US raise enough to erase about $US26 million in medical debt
Boston, USAP More than 100 United Church of Christ congregations across southern New England have helped raise enough money to erase a total of $US26.2 million in medical debt for thousands of families across the Northeast and more than 12,000 first responders and medical workers nationwide. The churches in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, along […]
In pandemic spotlight, public banks ponder a greener role
Barcelona, SpainThomson Reuters Foundation Limping along after a COVID-19 body blow, the global economy needs investment by public development banks more than ever, officials say – and shifts in how they do business could set a precedent for a greener, more equitable future. From ending support for fossil fuels to expanding debt relief and protecting […]