Crucial message for our time

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Nigeria says the rich must learn from the poor for the livesimply message to become a truly global challenge.

Speaking to more than 100 attendees of the livesimply conference, Archbishop Kaigama from Jos in northern Nigeria reminded participants that the challenge is not a new one, because it is rooted in the Gospel.

He said: 'It helps us to bring our prayer, worship and our theology into our concrete daily life. Some people have asked me why I am promoting the message of livesimply in Nigeria where so many people have no option but to live simply.

People who are poor know what it means to depend on God and trust in one another - this is what the rich need to learn.

They are right that there is terrible poverty in Nigeria, but there is also great wealth. There is the wealth that is concentrated in the few who have benefited from Nigeria's oil - the rich elite.

But there is also the wealth of those who live in poverty - the wealth that comes from living in solidarity with each other and acknowledging our dependence on God.

People who are poor know what it means to depend on God and trust in one another - this is what the rich need to learn.'

The gift of freedom

The event, at Digby Stuart College in Roehampton on September 5-6, brought together theologians from the UK, mainland Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Another keynote speaker, Professor Maria Clara Bingemer, of the Pontifical University, Rio de Janeiro, focused on the idea that 'to live simply is to be free'.

She said: 'The livesimply initiative is more than just interesting, it carries a crucial message for today. It is a process of simplification that will free you from things that tie you up and prevent you from being fully alive'.

Members of the livesimply network present at the event, organised by CAFOD and Progressio, were excited by the enthusiasm generated.

Linda Jones, head of CAFOD's spirituality programme. said: 'It is a fantastic innovation and an inspiration to be part of an event where academic theologians can meet and discuss with people who organise livesimply on the ground.

It is crucial livesimply continues to make the links between our faith and the actions we choose to take in our daily lives'.

Christine Allen, Progressio's Executive Director, compares the livesimply values to those underpinning Progressio's vision of a just world: integrity and respect, solidarity and justice, courage and commitment. She comments: 'Living simply so that others may simply live can seem a trite thing to say, but it's easy to forget about the impact of our lives on the lives of others.'

Learn more about living simply on the official livesimply website.