4th April 2026

Easter Saturday

In a new report published by Oxfam on Thursday, Oxfam have estimated that $3.55 trillion of untaxed wealth was held in offshore tax havens and unreported accounts in 2024. This sum is more than 3% of global GDP. exceeds the GDP of France and is more than twice the combined GDP of the world’s 44 least developed countries. Christian Hallum, Oxfam International’s Tax Lead. “This isn’t just about clever accounting —it’s about power and impunity. When millionaires and billionaires stash trillions of dollars in offshore tax havens, they place themselves above the obligations that bind the rest of society. The consequences are as predictable as they are devastating: we see our public hospitals and schools starved of funds, our social fabric shredded by rising inequality, and ordinary people forced to shoulder the costs of a system rigged to enrich a tiny few.” According to the EU Tax Observatory, Greece offshore holdings reaching nearly 80% the GDP of Greece, mostly held in Switzerland. Germany follows with 29%, Estonia with 24%, and France and the UK each with 16%, with Luxembourg, Cyprus, and the Channel Islands among the most popular destinations for hidden wealth.

Loving God, forgive our greed, forgive that we hoard wealth when so many are destitute, forgive that we find ways to avoid tax when our hospitals, schools, and housing all need resourcing.  Forgive that a few have so much when so many have nothing at all.  We thank you that Oxfam have highlighted inequalities and the mechanisms that permit people to live in destitution when there is money and resource to enable all to flourish. Guide the leaders of nations to address all that creates hunger and homelessness, and prevents people accessing medical care and education. Teach us to share our prosperity that those whose lives are impoverished may pass from need and despir to dignity and joy. Help us to may our prayer that your will shall be done on earth as it is in heave a reality.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed by a devastating war that has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Sudan’s grassroots mutual aid groups–the Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) have proven indispensable. These community networks have made the difference between life and death for millions–saving lives in areas often inaccessible to international organizations. They provide food, water and medical supplies, and maintain or repair infrastructure such as power and water systems–all while under risk of attack and obstruction by the warring parties. Their work has been praised and recognized by several international bodies, including the Norwegian Nobel Committee, particularly for their impartial nature and attempts to provide aid to all those caught up in the conflict. Now, they have won the prestigious 2025 Chatham House Prize, in recognition of their crucial role in delivering humanitarian assistance.  Journalist Alsanosi Adam, a spokesman for the ERR, said the network relied entirely on local communities, who determined their own needs and worked together for access to them. “When a city is under siege, or there’s no way to get food in, they're just usually talking to independent traders who have their own way of bringing the food in. It’s the communities that are operating. When you do it that way, you get a certain level of protection, because communities know one another,” he said.

A prayer of St Francis of Assisi

You are holy, Lord, the only God,

and your deeds are wonderful.

You are strong.

You are great.

You are the Most High.

You are Almighty.

You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.

You are three and one, Lord God, all good.

You are good, all good, supreme good,

Lord God, living and true.

You are love. You are wisdom.

You are humility. You are endurance.

You are rest. You are peace.

You are joy and gladness.

You are justice and moderation.

You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.

You are beauty.

You are gentleness.

You are our protector.

You are our guardian and defender.

You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.

You are our faith, our great consolation.

You are our eternal life, great and wonderful Lord,

God Almighty, merciful Saviour.

Amen.