Moderator encourages people to support Christian Aid
Published on 23 June 2025 2 minutes read
The Moderator of the General Assembly is inviting church members to support Christian Aid in the work they do to support the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the world.
Rt Rev Rosie Frew said she hoped they would show extravagant love, her theme for the year, and donate money to the international development charity, which believes that when hope is unstoppable, change is possible.
During her year in office, the Moderator is presenting a special postcard to people she meets, which bears a message asking people to support Christian Aid.
Known as the Moderator's Gift campaign, it directs people to a website where they can donate money to show the love that binds humanity together and tackle the root causes of extreme poverty and injustice.
For 80 years, Christian Aid has been dedicated to creating a world where people can live full lives, free from poverty.
Together with the Church of Scotland and 40 other sponsoring denominations, it works with local partners in more than 25 countries to fund emergency responses to humanitarian disasters and long-term development work that empowers local communities.
Explaining why she launched the Moderator's Gift campaign, Mrs Frew said: "My earliest memory of Christian Aid comes from 1974, just over 50 years ago, when I was in first year at Williamwood Junior Secondary School on the south side of Glasgow.
"Through the school, I took part in a 20-mile sponsored walk for Christian Aid which, from memory, began in a church hall in Shawlands.
"It was a mile to Pollok Country Park, we then did three, six-mile circuits of the park, back to the hall, and then a walk to my grandparent's house, another mile along the road for tea.
"Not bad for a 12-year-old.
"I've supported Christian Aid over the years since in different ways.
"One of the first things I was asked to think about when I was nominated to be the Moderator of the General Assembly was gifts. I was told that the exchange of gifts throughout the year was a part of being Moderator.
"The gift I will be giving throughout my year in office is a postcard.
"It has Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians on one side and on the other a request that, if you wish to give the Moderator a gift please make a donation to Christian Aid in this special anniversary year."
Earlier this month, Christian Aid held a thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey, London to mark 80 years of standing with communities around the world.
Joined by supporters, staff, volunteers, church leaders and global guests, the charity was united by a common calling to continue our mission.
Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly, was in attendance to represent the Church of Scotland.
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza has demonstrated how urgently people in Israel and Palestine need a just peace.
Christian Aid continues to support relief efforts and to advocate and pray for people in the region.
You can support Christian Aid's work in Israel/ Palestine by attending their monthly online events - Prayers for Peace in the Middle East - and encouraging others to attend.
The prayer webinars are held on the 24th of every month so your next opportunity to attend is Tuesday, 24 June from 7 - 8PM.
At the event Christian Aid will share a letter from Christian church leaders discussing their experiences and you will also hear from other regional partners and friends as well as joining together in prayer.
You can register to join here: Prayers for Peace in the Middle East - Christian Aid
