Exhibition opens eyes to injustice

A special evening for young adults and youth leaders was held at the Pure Gold? exhibition [CAFOD]

Thousands of people have learned more about CAFOD’s Unearth Justice campaign at the Pure Gold? photo exhibition

Images and artefacts from CAFOD partners in Honduras, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Philippines were on display at the exhibition which toured the UK.

It highlighted the dangers caused for people in developing countries by the mining industry, including the risk of poisoned water, loss of land and environmental destruction.

The exhibition was launched at London’s Oxo Gallery on May 22, and supporters, journalists and invited guests were able to meet the photographers and view the images at a special evening event.

More than 4,500 people visited the exhibition in London, including those who attended a young adult and youth leaders reception.

After showing in London, the exhibition toured seven locations in England and Wales.

Coverage of the exhibition in local and national newspapers and on the BBC also ensured that many more people were able to hear about CAFOD’s campaign.

Suffering cannot be ignored

Bishop Declan Lang spoke at the launch of the touring exhibition in Clifton Cathedral.

He called on people to recognise that the hardship and suffering depicted and the damage caused to God’s creation could not be ignored.

In addition, organised visits by two local schools gave pupils such as Alex the opportunity to come face to face with the impacts of mining on poor communities.

Alex said: “This exhibition has opened my eyes to the suffering that goes on right under our noses. It made me realise that we can be jealous of those who have more than us but we never stop to think of those who have less.”

Fired up for action

Bishop Declan Lang visits the Pure Gold? exhibition in Bristol [CAFOD]

College student, Samantha Frith says she was fired up for action as a result of what she saw. “Thank you for showing me this exhibition. I hope all together we can change the way mining is done.”

Schoolchildren also helped launch Pure Gold? in York.

They presented gold paper chains, made and signed by pupils from York’s five Roman Catholic schools, to Bishop Terence Patrick Drainey at St Wilfrid’s church where the exhibition was being held.

More from York

Rashmi Mistry, CAFOD's acting head of campaigns, says: “This exhibition was an excellent opportunity to bring stories and images from CAFOD partners to a much wider audience.

"We’re delighted that so many people have been able to see for themselves the damage caused by irresponsible mining and now are inspired to take action.”

The exhibition tour finishes in Liverpool on July 3, but the images will be on show again at conferences, events and festivals throughout 2008.

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