Watch the above 2008 World Economic Forum (WEF) video to see Rick Warren (starts at 40:13) and others discussing how religious institutions can address the world’s problems. The audience was given an opportunity to ask question. There were two Muslims, a Catholic, a Rabbi, and a evangelical Christian (Rick Warren). It was apparent that the Catholics have done the most humanitarian work at this point in time. A representative from Catholic Relief Society in the audience pointed out that Catholics take care of 20% of all Aids patients, but receive only 3% of USAID money.

Some good points:

• Rick Warren: “I don’t care why you do good, just do good. We do good because we believe in Jesus Christ as our savior and HE told us to take care of our neighbor.”

• Rabbi: “Deeds, not words. If Jews & Germans can come together to save Muslim refugees from Kosovo, then there is hope.”

• Imam: “The root of problems is extremism..the rational side should control the issues.”

• Rick Warren: “I’m not interested in Interfaith dialog, I’m interested in Interfaith projects, like solving Aids.”

As I understand it, funding can be cut off for any country that is not meeting the MDG goals, so the monitor report is key.

The burning questions: If the UN would be unwilling to give development money to a country that is not meeting its MDG goals, would PEACE or World Vision give that country money anyway?

Bono took the WEF to task for NOT meeting the goals.