The leadership of the Anglican Church in the Caribbean has expressed concern about the growing difficulties being experienced by people of the region because of the rising cost of food and other commodities.

Bishops and members of the Standing Committee of the Anglican Church in the Province of the West Indies, recorded their concern at a recent meeting in Barbados.

They said the worsening global situation is creating undue hardships for people everywhere.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the church leaders expressed concern for the poor and those on the margins of society who are finding it impossible to provide the basic needs for their families and to cope with the demands of daily living.

The bishops have called for the church to pursue "strategies of intervention in practical ways".

Develop programmes

They have also recommended that congregations across the Caribbean become involved in developing programmes and other empowerment efforts including skills training, self-employment and improvement in education with emphasis on literacy programmes.

Collaboration with agencies and organisations involved in alleviating poverty was also highlighted.

The communiqué indicated that the Standing Committee of the Anglican Church in the Province of the West Indies is encouraging Governments throughout the region to take "cogent action" through programmes of poverty alleviation, to assist those in need.