The Anglican Alliance and Christian Aid have signed a new three year partnership agreement that will see them working together to tackle extreme poverty. The joint work will start in Bangladesh, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with strengthened collaboration in other countries to follow.
Conceived at the 2008 Lambeth Conference of Bishops, the Anglican Alliance was formally established in 2011. It is mandated to provide a convening platform for development, relief and advocacy work across the churches and agencies of the global Anglican Communion.
Christian Aid is the official development and humanitarian agency of the British and Irish churches, and has worked through partnerships since 1945 to overcome poverty, by addressing its underlying causes.
The memorandum of understanding between the two organisations will initially focus on three areas of work:
- helping communities living on the front line of climate change, in particular by helping young people to advocate for stewardship of Creation and an increase in much needed climate finance for impacted communities.
- supporting churches and their congregations to build resilience and preparedness before disasters strike, building on local expertise.
- shifting beliefs, attitudes and practices to promote equality and reduce violence and conflict.
Christian Aid CEO Patrick Watt said:
“The world faces huge challenges, with climate change and conflict causing real harm to some of the poorest and most vulnerable people. This partnership with the Anglican Alliance will help us meet these challenges, given the community reach of the Anglican church in many of the countries in which we work, and its track record as a trusted and respected partner. This new agreement stems from our shared values and a history of working together. and I look forward to seeing the benefits on the ground as we take our collaboration to the next level.”
Executive Director of the Anglican Alliance, Rev Rachel Carnegie said:
“The Anglican Alliance family of churches and agencies is well-placed to address both the causes and symptoms of extreme poverty, listening to and equipping people with skills, knowledge and support."
The two organisations will create a working group to develop annual plans with agreed targets and regular reviews.
