BROOKSVILLE — A community group based at Reversing Falls Sanctuary is fasting in solidarity in support of David Duncombe, 79, who began a water-only fast for global debt relief in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 1 and plans to maintain the fast for over 40 days.

Duncombe is fasting in support of upcoming legislation before Congress, the Jubilee Act, which is a bill that would dissolve the debts of many of the world’s poorest nations.

Duncombe, whose daughter and family live in Brooksville, met last summer with several peace and justice groups in this part of Maine to talk of and help launch fasts for social justice causes. He said his fast, like most others, will be strengthened in spirit and political influence by increasing numbers of participants nationwide. Anyone in the community moved to join the fast from now through Oct. 15, if even for one meal or one day, is welcomed to do so.

The Jubilee Act/HR2634, for which Duncombe and many others is fasting, was introduced in June 2007 by Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California, and Spencer Bachus, a Republican from Alabama.

The Jubilee Act will cancel the debt of 67 impoverished countries.

Duncombe’s focus all along (and this will be his third such fast for debt relief) has been on the union of politicians in their personal understanding of compassion.

Information about the Reversing Falls Sanctuary’s efforts can be obtained by calling Gary Vencill at 469-7850.