The Marshallan Relief and Development Services (MAREDES), the charity wing of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall (KLM), has called on political leaders and the public to support the poor and needy in society.

The group asked civil society organisations (CSOs), religious groups and other organisations to actively pursue social justice for the poor and marginalised in the society.

Statement

In a release issued in commemoration of the “World Day of the Poor,” which fell on November 18, 2018, the charity organisation underscored the need for urgent steps to be taken to implement pro-poor policies that would address the challenges of underprivileged persons.

The release, which was signed by the Executive Director of MAREDES, Sir Kt Bro. Victor Derx Baffour, urged Catholic charities in particular to advocate pro-poor policies in the country.

“We call on all KLM, all men and women of goodwill as well as civil and political leaders to listen to the poor and respond urgently to help them to testify to the living scripture,” the release added.

Reminder

It reminded the Catholic faithful about the Apostolic letter by Pope Francis on November 20, 2016, to celebrate the end of the extraordinary jubilee of mercy.

In that letter, the Pope urged all persons to be merciful and forgive other people as a divine duty.

“The call to be merciful and especially close to the poor is a reminder of the Lord’s teaching on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, a call to be active in implementing social justice by excluding indifference and hypocrisy in all our undertakings,” the release said.