Supporters, church leaders, and partners from around the world are coming together to mark the 80th anniversary of global development agency Christian Aid.

In a special service – which takes place in Westminster Abbey on Thursday, June 12 – some 2,000 guests will be reflecting on achievements of the past eight decades, giving thanks, and recommitting to the charity’s mission to end global poverty.

Christian Aid Chief Executive Patrick Watt said the event was a ‘profound moment of unity and fellowship’ and the various elements of the service, including a reimagining of the hymn When I Needed a Neighbour, reflected the evolution of the organisation.

Christian Aid was founded in 1945, when churches came together after World War Two, to consider how they could help the thousands of refugees in Europe needing shelter and basic supplies.

Christian Aid friends and supporters campaign for climate justice.

placeholder image — Christian Aid friends and supporters campaign for climate justice.

Since then, the agency has launched the country’s longest running charity week (Christian Aid Week); helped found global organisations like the Disasters Emergency Committee to bring other charities together in times of crisis; and campaigned for change on everything from the climate crisis and debt justice to ending violence against women and girls.

The anniversary service will include a sermon from Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay – general secretary of the World Council of Churches – and a reading by Rev Kate Bottley.

There will be a performance of When I Needed a Neighbour – written originally by Sydney Bertram Carter in 1965, to mark Christian Aid’s 20th anniversary – and now reimagined by Rev Ally Barrett, Associate Vicar of Great St Mary’s, the University Church in Cambridge, and Marsha Morrison from The Kingdom Choir.

The Kingdom Choir, led by Karen Gibson, will perform the song, accompanied by Sacred, a gospel choir formed by pupils from London’s Twyford School, and singer/songwriter, Emmanuel Smith.

Amelia, from Guatemala, is one of the people who work with Christian Aid's local partners around the world

And to help highlight the 80th anniversary theme of The Unstoppable Power of Hope, London-based poet Storm Cecile will be performing her latest creation.

Pete Moorey, Head of Church & Community, said the service would help to mark a momentous milestone.

He added: “Churches across Britain and Ireland responded to the refugee crisis in Europe after World War Two by creating Christian Aid. For 80 years, we have worked alongside local partners providing urgent, practical help in times of crisis and long-term development support with marginalised communities worldwide, while seeking to tackle injustice. Eighty years on, in the face of conflict and climate crises, we still believe in a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.”

PatrickWatt, CEO, said: “It’s not every day that we’re able to bring together so many friends and supporters of Christian Aid for a moment of unity. We are delighted to hold our 80th anniversary service in Westminster Abbey, the church that has hosted so many moments of national significance.

Patrick Watt, Chief Executive Officer at Christian Aid.

“As we reflect on 80 years of tackling the injustice of extreme poverty, we give thanks for the supporters, partners, and staff who have made it possible, and who continue to demonstrate the unstoppable power of hope.

“Since 1945 Christian Aid has been able to make a lasting difference for countless people, of all faiths and beliefs. Yet our anniversary is also a reminder that our task is incomplete. The climate crisis, war, and inequality for women and girls mean that poverty continues to scar millions of lives. We are committed to continuing our work to alleviate suffering and overcome the root causes of poverty, creating a world in which people can have life before death.”