Almost ten years ago, the Religious Working Group on the World Bank and IMF (RWG) went through a long process of study and reflection on World Bank and IMF-designed policies shaping the economies of impoverished countries: structural adjustment programs (SAPs). From that process came a statement of principles that has guided much of the RWG work since. Called “Moral Imperatives for Addressing Structural Adjustment and Economic Reform Measures,” the statement was endorsed by hundreds of religious leaders and organizations.

In the coming months the RWG will embark on another process of study and reflection to update the Moral Imperatives statement in the context of the present global economy and of the policies and programs of the International Financial Institutions (WB and IMF) now affecting impoverished people and the earth community.

Although structural adjustment programs per se have been replaced by other WB-IMF policies, the effective and unrelenting promotion of open, unregulated economies for countries approaching the IFIs (International Financial Institutions) for assistance has been a consistent dimension of the IFI policy framework. Conditions attached to new loans and to debt cancellation that encouraged, for example, privatization; aid-for-trade; and loans or loan guarantees that favored private investment are just a few of the tools that have taken the place of SAPs.

We would like to begin the process of reviewing the Moral Imperatives statement by listening to grassroots stories that describe the impact of the global economy in 2006-2007. Ten years ago we wrote “…it is morally unacceptable that people who struggle barely to survive are carrying the burden of these policies on the assumption that the benefits may eventually ’trickle down.’” What has happened in these ten years to the situation of those who struggle to survive?

Please take a few minutes to read the Moral Imperatives statement and to look at the reality in your own community or the country where you live. Invite others to share their experiences. In these ten years, has life improved for people on the margins? Why or why not and how? Can you identify one or several of the Moral Imperatives that have been honored - or violated - in your community? How? Can you share a story or two that illustrates your response? If so, please send them to the RWG by December 1, 2006.

In December, February and April those members of the RWG who can meet face-to-face or by conference call will try to integrate your experience into a revision and updating of the Moral Imperatives statement. We hope to have it finished by June of 2007.