'What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'.
Micah 6:8
These ancient words echoed through Westminster Abbey, on 12 June 2025, as Christian Aid marked 80 years of standing with communities around the world.
Rooted in the call to justice, mercy and humility, this special service was more than a moment of celebration—it was a reminder of why we began, and why we continue. For eight decades, this verse is reflection of what has shaped our mission, guided our partnerships and inspired action in the face of injustice.
Highlights of Christian Aid’s 80th Anniversary Service at Westminster Abbey
For decades, hope has united us in the fight against poverty and injustice. Find out how you can get involved this year.
The day began at Church House, where supporters, staff, church leaders and global guests came together over breakfast and warm conversation. There was joy in the air—a sense of reunion and resolve, as friends and strangers stood side by side, united by a common calling.
As the seats of Westminster Abbey filled, children’s voices rang out outside the Abbey and reminded us that the the work of justice must be shaped by the voices of the next generation.
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Marking a milestone
The reflection on 80 years, shared by our CEO Patrick Watt, and Chair Bishop Sarah Mullally, looked back on the extraordinary path Christian Aid has travelled.
Patrick began by reminded us that Christian Aid began with an act of solidarity—when churches across Britain responded to the devastation of war. He then led us through the journey of Christian Aid from 1945 to the 1980s.
'This anniversary is a turning point—a chance to give thanks, and to look forward,’ he said. ‘It’s a hope-filled moment that drives us to act.'
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Bishop Sarah Mullally continued the reflection from the 1990s to today building on the legacy built in the years before: responding to famines, floods and forced displacement. She also shared three thins that have remained a constant at Christian Aid through decades of change:
- Our commitment to help people live life in all its fullness.
- Our insistence that communities affected by poverty must lead the response.
- Our deep roots in the UK church—faithful supporters who give, act and pray.
In every generation, the question Jesus asked still echoes: ‘Who is my neighbour?
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A moment of music and performance
The service opened with an uplifting performance of ‘We are marching in the Light of God (Siyahamba)’, led by the Kingdom Choir, Twyford School Church of England High School and Emmanuel Smith.
Later, they returned with a newly reimagined version of 'When I Needed a Neighbour'. In this new arrangement, the familiar tune took on renewed power, echoing our enduring mission.
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As voices filled the Abbey, supporters processed down the aisle of Westminster Abbey with placards representing 80 years of Christian Aid.
Following this, we were moved by a spoken word poem written and performed by Storm Cecile titled ‘The unstoppable power of hope.’ Bold, beautiful and unflinching, her poem invited us to see hope as urgent and alive. It's carried by communities, sustained by our faith and made real through our actions.
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We are bringing good news, when hope feels like a synonym for silence.
A Gospel call to action
Rev. Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, offered a stirring sermon on The Good Samaritan in Luke 10.
He spoke about the lessons we can draw from the Good Samaritan. God’s lifelines don’t always come from the powerful, but from the least likely. It's those who’ve known hunger, loss and struggle. Those who have the courage to show mercy.
'They care enough to get involved, love enough to make a difference.'
The Good Samaritan crossed boundaries. He stayed. For as long as it took. This is the kind of compassion our world needs today.
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Hope in God is not a passive resignation... it’s working with God as agents for change.
Recommitting and giving thanks, together
The recommitment liturgy—led by Christian Aid partners Diana Gichengo and Bezwada Wilson, alongside Destiny Ocheje, a student from Twyford School—was a powerful call to action.
Spanning continents and generations, it was a shared pledge to keep going. To keep standing with the marginalised. To keep building a world where every person can live a full life, free from poverty.
Celebrating those who give so much
The day continued back at Church House with tea, fellowship and the presentation of our volunteer awards: the Power of Hope Awards.
Hosted by Kate Bottley, it was a time to recognise some of those who are turning hope into action. Their tireless dedication makes our work possible in churches and communities across the UK.
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Hope that moves us forward
This service marked more than just a moment of remembrance. It was a bold act of faith. A time to reflect on all that has been made possible through courage, compassion and the unstoppable power of hope.
The reading from Luke 10 and sermon challenged us again to see the world differently. To reject silence. To refuse to walk by.
'Go and do likewise' – Luke 10:37
Together, we honoured 80 years of standing with those facing crisis. And together, we looked ahead. We're renewed in purpose.
Hope doesn’t stand still.
It walks forward—in solidarity, in action and in love.
Join us in prayer as we continue to pray for our work, 80 years on.
