Archbishop takes on 70k for Christian Aid

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, is going the extra mile for vulnerable communities around the world during Christian Aid Week 2024.

He is taking part in 70k in May – a challenge to cover 70 kilometres in whatever way you like, in solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce.

Archbishop Andrew said he was looking forward to it.

“Every year, during Christian Aid Week, people across Wales raise funds, act and pray for their global neighbours in a celebration of hope for a fairer world,” he explained.

“I’m doing 70k in May because it’s a great way to support the appeal; I enjoy taking the time to get out and about and reflect on things while also doing something meaningful in support of others.

“Christian Aid Week really brings people together to put our faith into action – and every prayer, every gift, every action makes a difference.”

Money raised during Christian Aid Week will help the organisation’s partners empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

This year’s appeal - from May 12–18 - is focusing on work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa. Heavily reliant on agriculture, it’s also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges: more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

Christian Aid has been working in Burundi since 1995 when it first offered humanitarian assistance to people surviving the civil conflict. Now, alongside local partners, the organisation helps establish Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). These community-led groups mean people can save and borrow money, making small businesses possible, offering reliable and diverse incomes so families can eat regularly, get medicine when they need it, and build safer homes.

Thirty-five-year-old Aline Nibogora is the chairperson of a VSLA which supports some 25 families in a remote village, in Makamba Province. Aline escaped an abusive marriage only to find herself on the streets begging for a place to stay.

Her life changed when she went to a three-day, Christian Aid-funded community workshop. With a small start-up loan, Aline began trading avocados and peanuts locally. She’s now a grocery wholesaler and living on her own plot of land where she’s building a home for her family. In the next five years she hopes to expand, so one day she can buy a mill. This will provide a source of income without the need to transport heavy goods over long distances.

• Christian Aid Week offers seven days and so many ways to make a difference – to find out more.

The Ministry Area Leader for West Cardiff, the Revd Andrew Sully, is the new Chairperson of Christian Aid Wales’ National Advisory Committee.

The National Advisory Committee in Wales serves as an advisory body to Christian Aid's Board of Directors, as well as engaging with churches, supporters and other organisations in Wales, supporting the charity’s work in vulnerable communities around the world.

Andrew, who recently served as the organisation’s Interim Head of Wales, is chairman of the Christian Aid Group at Llandaff Cathedral and will also join Christian Aid’s board of trustees.

Andrew trained at Queen’s College, Birmingham, along with his wife Mary, who is the Bishop of Llandaff – and both have been passionate Christian Aid supporters for many years.

Before settling in Llandaff, Andrew was a parish priest, working in five of Wales’ six dioceses, during which time he was often given the role of ecumenical officer, promoting relations between churches of different denominations. He was seconded for a time to Cytûn/Churches Together in Wales as a field officer in North Wales.

Andrew has been a self-proclaimed ‘Christian Aid activist’ for the past 30 years, taking part in key campaigns and fundraising activities. These include cycling from London to Copenhagen for the COP talks in 2009, London to Paris and Wales’ Lon Las, and more recently walking Wales’ castles in North Wales, and the upcoming Llandaff to Penrhys pilgrimage route for Christian Aid Week 2024.

The task of eradicating poverty is as real as ever in this time of climate crisis

Andrew, who is taking over the role of Chairperson from Revd Nan Powell Davies, says, “I hope to bring my knowledge and experience of Wales and its communities to this position, and look forward to supporting Mari and the Christian Aid Wales team, as well as the wider Christian Aid board and staff.

“The task of eradicating poverty is as real as ever in this time of climate crisis, and Christian Aid is crucial in being a bridge between communities in poverty globally and churches in Wales and the rest of the UK.”

Head of Christian Aid Wales Mari McNeill says, “Andrew brings extensive knowledge of Wales and its communities to this role.

“We are delighted to continue working with him to engage with supporters, churches and other organisations in order to fundraise and campaign in our efforts to tackle poverty and injustice globally.”