The charity Christian Aid shows God’s love in action across the world, and churches should be proud to support it – says the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.
Bishop John Davies is urging all churches in Wales to make an extra effort to highlight the work of the charity during Christian Aid week which started last Sunday (May 13).
Bishop John, who is chair of the Christian Aid Wales Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees of Christian Aid, said, “Almost everyone will find a little red Christian Aid envelope pushed through their door this week and will perhaps hunt around for a bit of loose change to put in it. Hopefully, many will contribute more generously! We rely on our volunteer parishioners to do that groundwork, year on year, and they do it because they recognise that Christian Aid Week is incredibly valuable as an act of witness and engagement at local level. It goes to the heart of our faith, and puts the charity’s work into the public eye.
“But, vital though Christian Aid Week is in raising the profile, Christian Aid itself is about a great deal more than the annual street collection and support events. It is an international charity which works in scores of places across the world, often in partnership with other organisations. It not only provides direct help to those in need but it also campaigns vigorously against poverty, tax avoidance, and injustice and on environmental issues. It speaks with a strong and respected voice on behalf of the poor and marginalised, and has an honoured place at the table where issues of poverty and injustice are addressed.
“As such, Christian Aid demonstrates practical loyalty to Christ and the Gospel message. So don’t apologise for the ‘Christian’ in Christian Aid – it’s Christian witness at its practical best.”
Last month the Governing Body of the Church in Wales voted to support the continuing work of Christian Aid. The charity’s director Loretta Minghella was invited to the meeting to talk about its work. She also commended the work of the Church in Wales in Gaza through funding of the Mobile Dental Clinic: “This is the love of Jesus Christ in action — we are proud to be part of it.”
