The spiritual leader of Calgary's Catholic community says globalization is everyone's problem.
Bishop Fred Henry said the high standard of living enjoyed by Canadians, Americans and Europeans is often the result of having political and economic systems that exploit weaker economies.
"I think we have to change our whole mindset," said the bishop, who was guest lecturer Thursday at a G-8 summit speaker's series at the University of Calgary.
Henry spoke to nearly 40 people about "the spirituality of communion and globalization." He said all people belong to the same community, and protecting the dignity of humans is critical to our survival.
"The major religions of the world have the capacity to make a contribution to the globalization debate," he said. "But it's going to be an uphill battle,"
The bishop divided his talk into three sections: trade, world debt and terrorism.
Trade, said Henry, is often described as "the" issue of social justice.
The North American Free Trade Agreement helped multinational companies get richer, but salaried Mexicans workers lost 25 per cent of their income when the pact was ratified seven years ago, he said.
Henry said he's pleased the G-8 summit in Kananaskis will address poverty, specifically that of the world's poorest nations.
"Debt is symptomatic of a larger, unfinished agenda we carry into this new millennium," said Henry.
Sanctions against Iraq are proof that the war on terrorism will not be ended through economic and military force, he said.
A group of Raging Grannies, decked out in frumpy floral frocks and knitted shawls, serenaded the crowd with a half-dozen songs.
Their repertoire included "We'll be protesting in Calgary when they come," "Don't fence us out" and "What the world needs now is peace and love."
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