CAFOD

@cafod.bsky.social

We are CAFOD, the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. A better world needs all of us.

Go on, Mr Green! 🚴 The Oldham teacher is riding from Land's End to John o'Groats in support of our work and to teach his class about resilience. Watch the video for more about the crash that inspired him to take on the challenge and all the support he's received. https://bit.ly/4wwm5td

Damarys, Daisy and Orlinda were evacuated after the earthquake. They still work as nurses and live in a camp where they have received support from our partner Caritas Venezuela. Your donations are contributing to the wider response with medical, food and hygiene supplies.

A photo showing Orlinda, Daisy and Damarys sitting down at the camp where they're staying.

"We need friends at this moment. Caritas is our friend. They brought us security, food, love and company and we thank all the people who have supported them to live through this massive and sad tragedy."

Land's End ➡️ John O'Groats 🚴 Best of luck to Mr Green who's set to cycle around 1,000 miles while fundraising for our work! He also wants to teach his students about resilience after being hit by a car outside school. https://bit.ly/4wwm5td

Mr Green in a CAFOD shirt holds his bike in the playground while standing in front of his class.A selfie showing Mr Green as he rides along a country road in the hills.

Our Director Christine Allen was recently published in The Times' Credo section as she described how Andy Burnham must make use of his heritage in Catholic Social Teaching. Read the full piece that is republished with kind permission of The Times. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/4pQjHLo

Andy Burnham must use his heritage of Catholic social teaching

Andy Burnham's opening speech as prime minister was steeped in his Roman Catholic upbringing, and specifically in Catholic Social Teaching (CST), writes Christine Allen.

cafod.org.uk

It's been announced that Ed Miliband will act as the UK's Governor to the the World Bank. With him pledging that international development will be at the heart of foreign policy, this is an opportunity to take a strong stand and make a difference. https://bit.ly/4fzpq3k

A quote graphic with a heading that says: "Ed Miliband pledges to put development and climate at heart of foreign policy."

The full comment is: 

"Ed Miliband’s pledge to put international development at the core of his work as Foreign Secretary is to be warmly welcomed.
  
His decision to act as the UK’s Governor on the World Bank’s board is a huge opportunity for him to urge a major rethink of its governance and policies - from reforming voting rights so that low-income countries are fairly represented to improving debt transparency and ending seed certification laws that harm smallholder farmers and the environment.   

The UK is one of only six countries with a permanent seat on the Bank’s board. By taking a strong stand now to build a more representative, transparent, and accountable Bank, Ed Miliband can make a real difference to millions of vulnerable people."

We had the pleasure of being at WeBelieve Festival the past few days. It was wonderful to speak to so many, light candles and pray for peace. 🕯️ In our session, the Carmelite Provincial Superior in Lebanon, Fr Michel Abboud, spoke about his experiences of conflict and crisis.

The CAFOD team at WeBelieve in green shirts by our stall with Archbishop John Wilson. A photo showing inside the tent as Fr Michel Abboud gives his speech on his experiences of the crises in Lebanon, the work of the Church and Caritas. People signing prayer cards at the CAFOD stall. Two men in white robes at the CAFOD stall pose for a photo with a man in a green CAFOD shirt.

South Sudan illustrates the debt crisis. One of the world's poorest countries has been sued and ordered to pay millions to big private banks in English courts. Thanks to Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla for backing our debt campaign. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/48GMPNO

A photo showing Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the Archbishop of Juba.

"Today, so much of our national resources are diverted to servicing that debt, instead of paying for food, healthcare, education and building peace. When debt repayment takes priority over essential services, the poorest suffer most."

Why is the current global debt crisis not just about bad borrowing? Our volunteer Hope Adero wrote about some of the issues putting serious pressure on developing countries and tackles the same old narrative. Read more. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/3Rjb3HS

The global debt crisis: bad borrowing or broken system?

When African countries face debt crises, the story is always the same: poor governance, corruption, and irresponsible borrowing. But this ignores a crucial truth: that most debt crises are caused by f...

cafod.org.uk

We congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. We wish him well as he embarks on the role of Prime Minister, and look forward to working with him and his team in the weeks and months to come.

Christine Allen, Director and CEO of Catholic aid agency CAFOD said:

 

“Andy Burnham’s Catholic upbringing will undoubtedly continue to play an important part in informing his leadership and decision-making.  He has talked about prioritising fairness and justice, and of having the courage to ‘fix big things’.  All of that will be necessary as the UK prepares to take on the leadership of the G20 later this year. 

 

“The church’s social teaching offers a priceless framework that speaks into every aspect of life and leadership.  It will be a valuable guide in the biggest challenges Mr Burnham will need to address, such as lifting people out of poverty, tackling the climate crisis and reforming the broken and harmful financial systems in our world today.

Why worms? 🪱 Hawa wasn't sure about the vermicompost project she joined. Now, she's one of the biggest producers of compost in her village. As a result, she can grow her own vegetables, pay for her husband's medical expenses and fund her children's education. 📍 Bangladesh

Hawa running her hand through the compost. Hawa pointing at a crop growing in a bush. Hawa and her daughter standing under an umbrella.Hawa pictured with her husband and daughter.

We have joined a coalition of UK humanitarian, development, and human rights, environmental justice and faith-based agencies urging the incoming Prime Minister to take urgent action to protect Palestinians. Read the letter in full. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/4whSV0H

“In June, we heard the desperate call from the Latin Parish in Taybeh, a Christian town in the West Bank facing an unprecedented escalation in settler violence that threatens not only their physical security but also their very existence.  In Gaza, our partners continue to deliver drinking water to vulnerable families as the humanitarian crisis deepens but Israeli restrictions and shortages of essential supplies limit the scale of their response.  They also continue to face high levels of violence. As one partner told us: ‘One hour in Gaza is unthinkable. There is no time to cope or to adjust. You have to continue to go on, to survive war. Everyone is talking about a ceasefire in Gaza. There is no ceasefire.’

“It has been two years since the international Court of justice issued its advisory opinion.  We welcome the recent comments from the incoming Prime Minister, but the UK Government has a responsibility to do more. Urgent action is needed to uphold international law.”

Experts have been taking part in an assembly on artificial intelligence at Borgo Laudato Si'. When Magnifica Humanitas was first published, we asked our partners for their thoughts. For Dom Pedro in Brazil, it's a timely and valuable document and he stresses the importance of human relationships.

⚽ In Zimbabwe, we've supported football and other tournaments for young people. Vimbainashe explains more about the role of sport in bringing people together and building resilience.

By donating to the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal, we can continue to support Caritas Venezuela who are supporting affected communities and bringing hope. More on the situation, how to help and the need for long-term support in rebuilding. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/3R0mtk5

A photo showing two men in orange Caritas Venezuela vests by a destroyed building.

"How is our local partner responding in Venezuela?" A man in a Caritas Venezuela shirt carrying a packet of bottled water.

"4,000+ tonnes of bottled water." 
Two women speaking at a place where aid supplies are being secured.

"8,000+ kits with food and hygiene items for families." A woman walking by a white Caritas Venezuela tent.

"73,000+ units of medical supplies provided."

The emergency is far from over in Venezuela. Thousands of families remain without safe shelter. Our local partner, Caritas Venezuela, remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable. The current situation and how you can help. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/4w6fpBJ

A photo showing rubble following the earthquakes in Venezuela with the DEC logo and a red title that says "Emergency, Venezuela Earthquake Appeal."

Thanks to the generosity of supporters and commitment of local volunteers, Caritas Venezuela has already reached thousands of families. By continuing to donate to the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal, we can keep supporting those who are bringing hope after this disaster. https://bit.ly/4w6fpBJ

A graphic with a background photo showing rubble in Venezuela.

"How is our local partner responding in Venezuela?

4,000+ tonnes of bottled water

8,000+ kits with food and hygiene items for families

3,000+ hygiene kits

1,000 rescue kits for first responders."

84% of households in Gaza are experiencing water insecurity. In response, our local partner Caritas Jerusalem are operating water trucks which can travel to shelters, camps for displaced people and communities that are cut off from water. https://bit.ly/4wzpqqQ

A group of people collecting water from the truck. A group of people collecting water from the truck as a Caritas worker pours it into containers. A young man walks carrying two buckets. A Caritas aid worker stands on the top of the water truck while preparing it.

Again this year, we've supported one of our trusted partners in Ukraine to provide school bags. 🎒 Psychological support kits are also included and help with ways to cope during the frequent stress of drone and missile alarms. Find out more. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/4wPioyD

A group of schoolchildren in Ukraine holding their new schoolbags. A girl opens up her new back with an adult standing behind her. A boy and girl holding up their new schoolbags in front a Caritas Ukraine banner. Two boys going through the pencil cases included in their new schoolbags.