At the end of July, the Group of Governmental Experts failed to make meaningful progress on the global effort to ban lethal autonomous weapons or Killer Robots. Negotiations take place under the auspices of the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). The majority of participating states support the development of an international legal […]

The 10am congregation of Wellington Methodist Parish had a fun evening putting their prayers into action at a special fundraising event. The parish organised a banquet, using the recipes and hints supplied by Christian World Service.  A small group decided on the menu which included hummus and refried beans on flatbread, lentil soup with optional […]

Peacemaking and working for justice are central to our faith as Christians.  Each year CWS produces resources for Peace Sunday highlighting some of the ways your prayers and support give life in places of conflict and violence. Download this year’s worship resources: Peace! In the Methodist/Presbyterian calendar Peace Sunday is the closest Sunday to August […]

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Jesus, Matthew 25:35 Welcome! is a resource kit for Refugee Sunday – designated as June 26, for Methodist and Presbyterian churches and July 3 for Anglican parishes.  The kit includes stories from refugees, prayers, lectionary notes, activities and other material for worship.  Refugee Sunday PPT Slide or […]

Michael Hartfield and Murray Overton, the directors of Anglican Missions and Christian World Service have written the following joint statement: “Thank you for generously supporting the Anglican Missions and Christian World Service appeals for the people of Tonga, following the volcanic eruption and tsunami earlier this year. There has been an amazing response with more […]

Christian World Service is supporting the joint campaign for a Modern Slavery Act.   With other groups and organisations, we are asking our government to pass new legislation to protect people from exploitation and harm.  We want New Zealand businesses to make sure that the goods we buy are produced by workers who are paid a […]

CWS invites you to fast and pray for Ukraine and for peace this Friday and every Friday through Lent. We can do more than follow the reports of people in danger and on the move.  In prayer and fasting, we can express our support for the people of Ukraine and our longing for peace. Please […]

On International Women’s Day CWS joins with our local partners from South Sudan to Sri Lanka in celebrating the strength of women standing in solidarity. In South Sudan known more for its failings than for its achievement, one local NGO has been tackling discrimination against girls long before independence in 2011.  The failure of the […]

National Director Murray Overton was delighted to return an ecumenical emblem, discovered in the CWS archives, to His Eminence Metropolitan Myron, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in New Zealand and Oceania, this week.  The emblem recognised the beginning of a dialogue between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches on Patmos Island in 1980 and […]

CWS thanked Trish Murray for the work she has done as International Programmes Coordinator at a small gathering in February. Jill Hawkey, on behalf of the CWS Board, acknowledged Trish’s development expertise and the way she fostered true partnership through our International Programmes, a model integral to CWS’s ethos. Former president of the Methodist Women’s […]

It was around 5:00pm on that Saturday 15th of January 2022 and I was waiting in line at the car wash when one Ford Ranger cut through in front of me.  I asked the attendant who said that the Ranger went to get something from the shop and would be back.  I said to myself that […]

World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 4 Local women invite you to join the World Day of Prayer on Friday, 4 March in your community.  Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the countries that start this annual event. This year’s resources were prepared by women from England, Northern Ireland and Wales with the theme, […]

“… Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 We are watching the news reports from Tonga with great care and concern for the people of Tonga.  The eruptions of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai have caused considerable harm and we are only beginning to see […]

One Month after COP26? The dust has settled on last month’s global climate negotiations held in Glasgow.  For climate activists, the results were very disappointing.  Campaigners including from the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) argued passionately for an ambitious deal to keep global warming under 1.5°C as agreed in the Paris Agreement.  COP26 (Conference of […]

We invite you to attend the Christian World Service Supporters’ Council and Christmas Party 4:30 – 6 pm, Tuesday, December 14, 2021 Wananga Room, Aldersgate Centre 309 Durham St, Christchurch or by Zoom ‘Pasifika Talanoa’ Speaker: Rev. James Bhagwan, General Secretary, Pacific Conference of Churches (by Zoom from Fiji) All welcome RSVP by Thursday, December […]

ActionStation, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, Christian World Service, Oxfam Aotearoa and World Vision New Zealand say that while Afghanistan faces chronic poverty, persistent droughts, war, the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic crisis, winter is about to bring a whole new set of challenges: “Sadly, millions of people across the entire country are going hungry, […]

On December 1, CWS staff joined with others in Otautahi Christchurch to mark the 60th anniversary of West Papua’s brief independence.  Louisa Wall MP and Duncan Webb MP raised the Morning Star flag. “Sixty years ago today, the West Papuan people held a congress and declared independence from Dutch colonial rule. The Morning Star flag […]

Climate finance is one of the important topics of the COP26 agenda. At this summit parties will start to negotiate a new architecture and targets for climate finance. The new collective and quantified finance agreement should be applied by 2025.  When parties start to talk about future climate finance, they should refer to past experience. […]

Thank you for supporting the Afghanistan Emergency Appeal and for asking MPs to increase humanitarian aid and find ways for people to resettle here. With the start of winter, the situation has worsened.  The tents most families are living in are not equipped for the winter so many people, especially children and vulnerable adults are […]

Christian World Service welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide climate aid to support some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The Government announced a $1.3 billion commitment over the next four years, of which at least 50 percent will be invested in the Pacific. The announcement was made ahead of critical United Nations’ […]

At the end of September Christian World Service joined others in presenting a petition to Phil Twyford, Minister of Disarmament and Arms Control.  The petition asks Parliament to prohibit the development, production and use of lethal autonomous weapon systems also known as killer robots in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to support negotiations for a new […]

CWS joined over 60 groups and community leaders to write to our government calling for more humanitarian aid for Afghanistan and opportunities for resettlement for its people. Read our open letter: Hon Nanaia Mahuta – Minister of Foreign Affairs URGENT 16 September 2021 Tēnā koe Minister Mahuta, More action needed from Government on Afghanistan We […]

The United Nations has called for the international community to stand together for Afghanistan as world leaders meet at a flash appeal on Monday 13 September. Charity groups, local communities and other organisations in Aotearoa have taken the opportunity to call upon the New Zealand government to commit to more humanitarian aid. Executive Director of […]

Christian World Service is appealing for the peoples of Afghanistan. Afghanis urgently need food, non-food items like hygiene materials, shelter materials and healthcare. The Afghanistan Emergency Appeal will fund mobile phone cash transfers to some of the neediest families who have fled their homes.  With cash, they will be able to buy what they want […]

Haiti was rocked by a powerful earthquake on Saturday, August 14 local time followed by heavy rains from Tropical Storm Grace.  The death toll has reached 2,100 and will rise as bodies are recovered from the rubble.  More than 20,000 people have been injured and the homes of 50,000 families destroyed.  The homes of a […]

Sally Russell, chairperson of the Christian World Service Board welcomes Murray Overton as the new National Director to Christian World Service. “I commend Murray to our supporters, partner churches, colleagues and international partners,” says Sally. Murray will take up the position on 23 August, based in the national office. “I am confident Murray will build […]

Charles Rwabambari, Director of the Centre for Community Solidarity in Uganda has written expressing his thanks for a grant from the Coronavirus Appeal.  CCS used their earlier grant to educate the 25 communities where they work on how to protect themselves, to buy sewing machines to make facemasks and train young women to make them.  […]

Christian World Service has relaunched its Coronavirus Appeal for Fiji in response to an urgent request from partner SEEP (the Social Empowerment Education Programme). CWS partner SEEP is responding to the rising need and working alongside other non-government agencies in the Suva-Nausori corridor.  Staff have begun distributing emergency rations on behalf of other organisations under […]

In much of Haiti people may be hungry and in danger from violence and the latest Covid spike, but they are relentless in their struggle for a better life. Christian World Service partner the Karl Lévêque Cultural Institute (ICKL) is deeply involved in the people’s movement.  Director Marc-Arthur Fils-Aimé asks for international solidarity in support […]

CWS Appeals for Fijians short of Food Christian World Service is appealing for Fijian families facing serious food shortages in the wake of Covid-19. People are missing out on emergency food distributions during the current sharp rise in Covid-19 infections. CWS is relaunching its Coronavirus Appeal for Fiji over the next few months.  Donations to […]

By Pauline McKay, National Director Bishop John Osmers spent much of his life supporting the anti-apartheid struggle in southern Africa.  Born in Ashburton, he died from Covid-19 in Lusaka, Zambia where he was a retired bishop in the Anglican Church. We were very sad to hear of his death.  John was legendary in the anti-apartheid […]

Are you passionate about international development? Committed to working for a world free of poverty and injustice? CWS is seeking a National Director to lead this small and dynamic organisation. As the justice, aid and development organisation of its partner churches, CWS has been engaged in working for a just world for over 75 years. […]

Christian World Service is appealing for funds to respond to the rapidly escalating Covid-19 crisis in India. “Our partners are anxious to protect the communities they work with from infection and hunger in this second wave. They have asked for urgent funding to deliver emergency food assistance and hygiene supplies as well as support community […]

35 of the leading aid agencies have joined together to warn of the suffering and increased, irreversible, damage if the growing humanitarian needs in Syria are not met and a political solution is not found. The 35 agencies have highlighted that a decade since the outset of the conflict, living conditions for many Syrians are […]

Christian World Service is seeking more signatures for a joint petition to boost overseas aid and increase funding for climate action.  The petition will be presented to parliament in mid-March as part of a joint campaign to put New Zealand’s commitment to countries most vulnerable to climate change and with the lowest incomes. When the […]

World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 5, 2021 A series of devastating tropical cyclones form the backdrop to this year’s World Day of Prayer services to be held on Friday, March 5.  Services are being organised by local committees throughout the country.  All are welcome. Through the resources they prepared for this global event, […]

CWS gives thanks for the life and contribution of Rev. Barbara Stephens, National Coordinator from 1986 -1994. Barbara lead the organisation through a period of significant change, drawing on her learning and experience of working as the Education Secretary for the Christian Conference of Asia.  In Asia she encountered emerging theologies that explored faith from […]

Food sustains life.  We are preparing to launch this year’s Christmas Appeal in response to the growing need for food. Please order posters, envelopes and service sheets today. For the last 75 years, your donations have helped “the millions in the east and the west, who are hungry, cold, and homeless”.  These words from Archbishop West Watson […]

After the explosion at Beirut’s port, young people from Dbayeh Camp turn up every morning to help people suffering from its effects.  Sylvia Haddad, executive director of the DSPR Lebanon (Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees), known locally as the Joint Christian Committee, tells their story:   Young eyes turned to Elias Habib. The Joint […]

We invite you to attend the Christian World Service Supporters’ Council 7:30 – 9:30 pm, Friday 30 October 2020 Wananga Room, Aldersgate at 309 Durham St, Christchurch or by Zoom ‘Who are we? Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future’ Speaker: Professor David Tombs, Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago People […]

Sylvia Haddad is the executive director of the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon.  She shares her story from Beirut where she lives: On August 4, 2020 at 7pm local time, all buildings in Beirut felt the earth shake beneath them. As I live on the 10th floor of a 12 storey building, […]

Christian World Service, Oxfam and World Vision with the backing of ten other leading aid agencies have launched a petition calling for the government to adopt a Collective Resilience Plan – a three-year roadmap to boost New Zealand aid and climate finance. As the coronavirus pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress in the fight […]

Jesus said, “I am the bread of Life”. CWS has prepared worship resources to support your prayers and action for peace.  In the Methodist/Presbyterian calendar Peace Sunday is the closest Sunday to August 6, Hiroshima Day—this year August 8.  Anglicans recognise a Special Intention ‘For the Peace of the World’.  Download Peacemakers, Lifegivers     […]

Rising Refugee Numbers Require New Action Christian World Service is deeply concerned about the continuing rise in the number of refugees and displaced people. Ahead of World Refugee Day on 20 June, the United Nations announced a staggering 79.5 million or one in 97 people displaced, up from 70.8 million the year before. The UN […]

Every day thousands of desperate people take to the road or the sea, seeking safety from harm.  Some stay within their home country as displaced people while others often make the dangerous journey to other mostly poorer countries.  Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan and Uganda host over 9 million refugees between them. On World Refugee Day (June […]

Christian World Service is seeking expressions of interest from persons who would like to become a member of the Board of Trustees. CWS is an international aid and development agency that serves its partner churches of New Zealand and its local partners in developing countries. We are looking for a nominee who is passionate about […]

An open letter to the New Zealand Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Finance, from fourteen leading New Zealand international aid agencies Dear Prime Minister Ardern, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Peters, and Finance Minister Robertson, We thank you for the unprecedented steps your government has […]

COVID19 – The Work Must Go on Christian World Service is continuing its work to end poverty.  We are in contact with our international partners who are experiencing many of the same situations – all are worried about what happens if COVID19  is not contained. Now we are approaching the highest Alert level, we want […]

Expect to hear the warm sounds of music from Zimbabwe on Friday, March 6 for the World Day of Prayer services.  Local women’s groups will host these services using material written by women from Zimbabwe. The service and Bible study “Rise! Take your Mat and Walk”, focus on the meeting between Jesus and a man […]

We are grateful for the generous donations to the Christmas and other appeals.  Staff and volunteers are working hard to catch up on receipting, delayed by the move.  Receipts will be in the mail in the next few weeks. Christian World Service has moved its main office to the Aldersgate Centre, Durham Street Methodist, 309 […]

Christian World Service is appealing for donations to support Samoan families affected by the measles outbreak.  Sadly, 71 people mostly under five months old have lost their lives.  Nearly 5,000 people have been infected with the virus. Donations to the appeal will enable trained community carers to provide psychosocial support for families.  They will also […]

Methodist and Presbyterian Women are focusing on Family Well-being in the Pacific for their annual special project. This year’s Special Project begins with the words from John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world’.  Methodist and Presbyterian women have reflected on what is happening and responded with a focus on the Pacific. Promoting Pacific Well-being […]

Unprecedented collaboration by 12 CEOs as humanitarian disaster in Syria worsens As the Syria crisis escalates, the heads of 12 New Zealand aid organisations have joined forces to call on the government to act on one of the biggest humanitarian disasters of this generation. Together they are calling for the government to resume financial support […]

CWS has prepared worship resources for Peace Sunday designated as August 4 in the lectionary calendar of Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches.  Rev Jordan Redding has contributed a reflection that sharpens our focus on the work of the Maohi Protestant Church in our region and a litany for peace.  The material is based on the […]

CWS is pleased to announce a new initiative with Trade Aid which will benefit Trade Aid producers and CWS partners. Donors will have the opportunity to buy direct from Trade Aid from July 1, and enter a special promotional code. Donors enter the words “ChristianWorldServiceFundraiser19” in the box marked Promo Code when ordering. When you […]

CWS invites parishes to mark Refugee Sunday designated as 23 June in the Methodist and Presbyterian calendar and 7 July in the Anglican tradition.  World Refugee Day is on June 20. This year we highlight the plight of refugees from Syria, some of whom were already Palestinian refugees. Worship resources “What are you doing here, Elijah?” […]

Christian World Service (CWS) is seeking expressions of interest from persons who would be interested in being a member of its Board.  Ideal person profile First and foremost: an empathy and understanding for the mission and purpose of Christian World Service and respect for its theological perspective, its history and ecumenical nature. For this vacancy […]

CWS is seeking expressions of interest for membership on its International Programmes Working Group. The Working Group, a sub-committee of the Board, is responsible for strategic decisions related to CWS partnerships, programmes and the international budget. It facilitates the voice of overseas partners in decision-making, including in the broader operations of CWS.  We are looking […]

Claire Hart was recently elected as the new chair of Christian World Service’s Board. Auckland-based, she brings a fresh perspective to the work of an organisation that has served New Zealand churches for 72 years. According to National Director Pauline McKay, Claire brings some valuable skills to the role as CWS seeks to broaden its […]