22nd October 2026

Global aid organisation Oxfam published a report on Tuesday, highlighting growing inequality in Peru raising questions about how the government is addressing deepening social divisions. Oxfam found that between 2019 and 2025 42% of all new wealth generated by the Peru economy was captured by the top 1%. Compared with the 2000 to 2019 period, when the top 1 percent captured about 39 percent of all new wealth little seems to have changed to address income and wealth inequalities.  Alejandra Alayza, the executive director of Oxfam in Peru commented, "Economic inequality in Peru has remained stubbornly high for decades. And when people feel that the same people always win, that nothing changes and nothing can change, inequality starts to look less like an injustice and more like the natural order of things. That is a dangerous kind of fatalism, and we must tear it down.” Current poverty levels in Peru are high with around 60% of the population are either poor or vulnerable. Approximately 5.5% of the population, or 1.87 million people, cannot afford basic food necessities. Rural areas bear the heaviest burden, with extreme poverty rates reaching 15.5% compared to just 3.3% in Lima. 

Loving God, we pray for our neighbours in Peru.  May the the economy is organised and managed ensure a just reward for labour and care and compassion for all who find life an economic struggle.  May the political system not advantage the advantaged and tread upon the downtrodden; may the economic system not benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor. Guide the leaders of Peru, it's politicians and leaders of corporations to conduct their affairs with integrity having the needs of the economically poor and socially marginalised as high priorities.  May no-one live in destitution or precarity. Help us to remember the words of John "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him."  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

A holiday park in Scotland, Pettycur Bay Holiday Park in Fife, has successfully raised almost £5,000 for McMillan Cancer Support following a series of community events and challenges. The funds raised will go towards supporting essential services for individuals living with cancer across the UK. During the summer holiday period, the park organised a beetle drive which successfully raised £2,200. This was followed by the park’s annual Macmillan Coffee Morning, in September. In addition a team of employees took on a physical challenge hiking through the Trossachs. Janet Murray, General Manager of Pettycur Bay Holiday Park, said: “As a result of hosting the Macmillan coffee mornings for the past few years we decided to have an extra push for Macmillan, as it is such a worthwhile charity. Our thanks go to everybody once again who came to one of these events, or who contributed some money to the guys doing the hike. We will continue on with our fundraising, with the next event due to raise some money being our Christmas Market on Sunday 29 November 11am – 3pm. We have a popular tombola at the fayre, the proceeds of which go to charity."  Fiona McComb, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park for their continued support and this latest donation of £4,876.20.  Their fantastic fundraising means we can continue offering our essential services such as our Support Line that offers emotional and practical support to those living with cancer. Thank you to all involved – you are truly making a difference.” In the past the park has supported various charitable organisations across Fife, including Guide Dogs for the Blind and the local lifeboat crews. 

Loving God, all praise and glory, power and majesty to be you.

You paint the colours of the autumn. 

You give the wind its power. 

You water the earth with rain and give it warmth by the sun. 

We see your magnificence in the tiniest creature

and in the stars of the universe.

Loving God, all praise and glory, power and majesty to be you.

You have made us in your image

giving us love and joy, humour and excitement

and a whole host of emotions that make us who we are. 

You grant us forgiveness and renewal.

It is by these things we can know you. 

Loving God, all praise and glory, power and majesty to be you.

Thank you for Jesus Christ

and for his showing us how to love you and our neighbour. 

Thank you for your Holy Spirit living within your faithful people,

guiding, teaching, equipping us,

that we might do your will in the world,

thinking, speaking and acting

all to your praise and glory.

Loving God, all praise and glory, power and majesty to be you. Amen.