Among the tribes of northern Natal in South Africa, the most common greeting - the equivalent of "hello" in English - is the expression sawu bona. Literally it means "I see you." If you are a member of the tribe you might reply by saying sikhona, which translates into English as "I am here."

The order of the exchange is significant. It means that until you see me I do not exist; when you do see me, you bring me into existence.

The full flourishing of our world and the human family requires our urgent attention to extreme poverty and the building of a peaceful, secure world for all God's people and creation. The Millennium Development Goals provide the Church and the world with a clear path towards these ends.

The goals are a set of eight targets for eradicating extreme global poverty adopted by the 191 member states of the United Nations, including Canada, out of the conviction that humanity can build a better and safer world if it is willing to unite. We Anglicans - the third largest Christian denomination in the world - must play a key role building this will and holding governments accountable for promises made.

We have been encouraged by the Anglican Consultative Council and by Anglican family around the Communion to educate ourselves about poverty and social development, locally and globally, and to become active advocates in seeking full implementation.

The Rev. Margaret Cornish, head of the diocesan Partners in Mission unit, lists the UN Millennium Goals at Diocesan Synod

Adopting the Millennium Development Goals motion at Diocesan Synod was a first step on this path. Speaking directly to elected officials and leaders about their promises to reduce and eradicate poverty is critical. Other actions are important, too, including making our own parishes and neighbourhoods reflective of God's justness and mercy, drawing friends into our churches' witness, and-particularly-praying that God's reign may be made ever more manifest in the world.