The debt problem

Personal debt here in Britain increases by £1 million every four minutes. Britain is the debt capital, making up a third of all unsecured debt in Western Europe. Behind the statistics are the lives of real men, women and children, lives blighted by debt.

A study by Virgin Credit Cards found that on average paying credit cards bills after Christmas took three months. The 12 days of Christmas becomes 12 weeks and some are still paying next Christmas. While debt touches every part of society it is the poor who are hit the hardest. Where money is already tight a single life event such as illness or a baby can bring on serious debt problems.

The Bible is not silent on the subject of debt and nor is the church. Old Testament law forbids charging interest and commands the cancellation of debt and the release of slaves every seven years. Churches too are in the front line in helping people find freedom from debt and money worry. Stewardship can support churches to help people in the congregation and community find financial freedom.

For people in debt free and confidential help is at hand from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), often from the local CAB or a money advice or church based debt centre.