Christian Aid
Christian aid Week
11th to 17th May 2025
Christian Aid week must be unique – apart from the special dates in the Christian calendar, it is surely the only time when we knowingly join with other churches in a common endeavour across English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish churches, all taking place at the same time, and happening every year.
It began as the British and Irish churches’ response to the needs of refugees in mainland Europe at the end of the war; indeed as we commemorate VE day and the later VJ day we can remember that 1945 also saw the founding of Christian Aid. In those early years the main concentration was upon refugees, often from Eastern Europe, and including Ukrainians in a forerunner of today’s experience.
Christian Aid Ireland (being based in a different country, Eire, although including Northern Ireland) is organised separately but
works closely in tandem with the British churches, using the same logo and publicity material for a common Christian Aid week.
The Christian Aid annual review for 2023-4 is now at the back of the church, with some interesting facts and figures. Christian Aid is supported by 2833 churches (that’s 2240 plus HFC in England, 171 in Wales and 421 in Scotland) and over that year it raised £83.3 million. It works in 26 countries, including some of those which are either regularly in the news, or else should be, and should all be regularly in our prayers – Afghanistan, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Libya, Ukraine and more. The review tells how the money is spent, with specific examples and in general terms: out of every £1 received, 84p is set to work and 16p goes to raising more.
So now it’s our chance, this Christian Aid week. First, our Christian Aid service on 11th May, with of course a collection and edible goodies. If you miss it, but would still like to give, please contact Christine, or by all means respond direct to the advertisements which you will see in the national press etc as the time draws near.And another thing – I said this was a shared endeavour, and of course all the local churches will also be doing their thing. There will no doubt be plant sales, book sales, cake sales, sponsored walks, jumps, cycle rides, dances etc going on - so if you come across any of those, that will be another means of support which is open to you.
Above all, please find your own way to join in this yearly extravaganza – and enjoy doing so! Lastl
y, Christian Aid is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a service in Westminster Abbey on Thursday 12th June. There may be a
chance to attend - if you would like to please let me know.