A bi-monthly news bulletin exploring development, global justice and the work of CWS. An alternative to mainstream media sources. Past issues can be read here

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For your Diary:

24 December  CWS Office closes at noon

25 December Christmas Day

7 January  CWS office reopens

We are grateful for your prayers, interest and support through 2018.  It has been a tough year for many people and you have given some of them the resources and opportunities they needed to get through.  Thank you.

We wish you a special Christmas with family and friends.  Together we can be the lifeline to people who need peace and new opportunities in 2019.

Pauline, David, Gillian, Nadine, Sarah, Steve and Trish.

Join the Lifeline this Christmas

In Haiti, Aimee (not her real name) and her family received a donkey from ACT Alliance Haiti after Hurricane Matthew.  The  donkey carries water from a faraway stream and helps them work their land.  It links us to the nativity story that we celebrate at Christmas.   Photo: ACT Alliance/Paul Jeffrey

Tackling injustice, violence and poverty has never been an easy task but with the urgent need to intensify action on climate change, effective action is critical.  Your support for our partners working with local communities to deal with these challenges has been a lifeline.  Donations to the Christmas Appeal will keep the lifeline going and may help some people escape situations that cause them harm.

CWS is asking supporters to join the lifeline again so our 29 partners in 22 countries can continue working with vulnerable and exploited people to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice in their communities.   Since the launch of the first appeal on Advent Sunday in 1945, we have worked together to make the world a kinder and fairer place—to make known God’s love for God’s world.

Christmas is the perfect time to share what we have with families who are facing crises that may be life-threatening.  We are grateful to the many people who have already made their Christmas gift.

“Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.”   Philippians 4:5     

Sustainable Development

The Christmas Appeal uses the 17 Sustainable Development Goals agreed by the United Nations as a lens to look at how our support for partners contributes to a world where ‘no one is left behind’.  Business cannot be left to run as usual. Working together, we can join the lifeline so people have food, water and justice.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

In South Sudan, Joyce’s new start-up is growing after small business training with the Maridi Service Agency.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Media students are learning new ways of talking about gender from EKTA that will influence behaviour in South India.

Goal 10:Reduced Inequalities

Haiti is one country where many people do not have reliable access to the resources they need to achieve their human rights.  ICKL is supporting the development agenda of rural communities wanting their children to go to school.

Goal 13: Climate Action

After Cyclone Gita, Finau and other Ama Takiloa members helped each other get back on their feet.  Climate change is causing more intense natural disasters.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, Institutions

On the West Bank, DSPR is helping isolated communities find new income streams so they can stay in their homes.

COP 23 Negotiations

ACT Alliance delegates expressed disappointment at the close of negotiations on the global rulebook to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change.  They encourage groups and individuals to keep the pressure on governments to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5⁰ Celsius.

Global Migration Compact

ACT Alliance says the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the Global Compact for Refugees endorsed this week at the UN General Assembly are the beginning for the fairer treatment of people.

South India: Gaja Appeal

In November, Cyclone Gaja caused widespread damage in the south of Tamil Nadu state.  Our partner Neythal/LAW Trust has asked for assistance to provide emergency rations and school kits for some 2,000 fisher families who have not received emergency assistance but have lost homes and livelihoods.

West Papua: Anglicans speak

CWS welcomes the statement by Anglican bishops calling for an end to human rights abuses and environmental exploitation on West Papua.

Gifts for Change

Thanks for choosing meaningful gifts this Christmas.  We are grateful for the increase this year as we know our partners will make good use of your donations.  E-cards are always available—order one at a time.

Office Hours

Our office will close at noon on Monday, 24 December and reopen at 9 am Monday, 7 January. It is cyclone season in the Pacific so follow us on Facebook or Twitter in case of an emergency where people need help. We will post information and appeals on our website.