A special service of thanksgiving to mark 80 years of Christian Aid will take place at 3pm on Sunday 21 September at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness.  

The service will mark the anniversary of the beginnings of the organisation. In 1945, after the end of World War II, an Army Chaplain and Church of Scotland minister, the Rev Douglas Lister began the work of contacting churches across Scotland to seek aid for refugees of the war.  He, and others doing similar work across Europe, were the genesis of Christian Aid, which has since that time provided humanitarian relief and long-term development support for poor communities worldwide, while highlighting suffering, tackling injustice and championing people’s rights.

The service, which is being jointly organised by Christian Aid Scotland and the Cathedral, will feature global music as part of a sung Eucharist.  The preacher is the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.  Commenting, Bishop Mark said: “I am really looking forward to marking 80 years of Christian Aid in Scotland.  Over those years many things have changed in the world, but the call to love our neighbours has only grown. 

“I am excited to join with supporters of Christian Aid from across the country.  I see this service as a chance to rededicate ourselves to supporting the work of relief, development and advocacy across the world in the years to come.  Christian Aid was born out of the aftermath of a global conflict, and at this time of increasing global tension it is organisations like Christian Aid that enable us in every corner of God’s kingdom to support those who need it more than most: as Christian Aid’s material says: ‘We believe in life before death’.”

Head of Christian Aid Val Brown said: “This is a milestone year for Christian Aid and it felt important to mark 80 years with a series of services and events.  We’re looking forward to this special service at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Inverness – an opportunity for some deep reflection on what we’ve achieved while also recognising the many challenges still facing us today, not least conflict and the climate crisis.

“While this is a service of worship it’s also about saying thank you to those who journey with us – as  we continue to give, act and pray for justice and an end to global poverty.”

The service will take place at 3pm on Sunday 21 September and is open to all. The Provost of the Cathedral, the Very Rev Sarah Murray said: “It’s a privilege to host the 80th anniversary service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness.  The Cathedral and the Diocese have been part of the Christian Aid story for many decades now, and as Provost of the Cathedral I look forward to welcoming people from the organisation to join this service of praise and thanksgiving.”

St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness is located on Ardross Street, with paid parking available nearby.  For information on how to find the Cathedral via car and public transport, please see this page of their website: Plan Your Visit To Inverness Cathedral