The issue of external debt and its consequences for the population of indebted countries has been a concern of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) for more than three decades. Recently the discussion has focused increasingly on the concept of the legitimacy or illegitimacy of external debt. But what is meant by ¿illegitimate debt,¿ and how can this concept be translated into political action? This book gives an overview of the current involvement of churches and NGOs, and of their attempts to bring the concept of illegitimacy into the political debate on debt relief and responsible lending. Theological and ethical perspectives are presented, as well as a conceptual discussion regarding the concept of debt illegitimacy. Regional perspectives from authors around the globe present a diversifi ed picture regarding the understanding of illegitimate debt and at the same time constitute a valuable resource for further discussions on the subject.