THE Bishop of Burnley is calling on people to help wipe out the evils of unemployment and poverty.

The Rt Rev Martyn Jarrett says changes are needed to Britain's economy if social injustice is to be ended.

And, he says, those who can afford it should be prepared to pay more tax to provide jobs for everyone.

Writing in the Blackburn diocese magazine The See, the bishop comments: "A society that permits only some to contribute while others are left marginalised is profoundly questioned by the standards of God's kingdom as set out in the Bible."

Drawing on the Council of Churches' report 'Unemployment and the Future of Work,' he calls for a practical programme to bring about a fairer society, and adds: "There is certainly no ducking the basic fact that it will cost many of us more in taxation if further investment is to be made in the many socially desirable projects crying out to be undertaken in our community today."

He says Christ's edict to love thy neighbour compels His followers to strive against the causes of poverty, and the bishop asks churchgoers to prepare for far-reaching changes.

"During the next few years the Church is going to be challenged at national and local levels," he writes. "It is a tough but important challenge. We can all contribute by helping to create the right climate for change."

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