Working with relief and development organisations

A Rocha is inspired by ‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it’, as well as ‘Love your neighbour’, the Biblical inspiration for Christian relief and development agencies. These are not different theological roots leading to divergent paths, but themes that encourage willingness to learn from each other and to work together on shared priorities. One reason for the increased co-operation is climate change: in this and many other areas, relief and development agencies recognise that their ‘people work’ can be hurt by environmental degradation.

Tearfund and A Rocha UK were partners on the Hope for Planet Earth tour which presented the facts about climate change to 8,000 people in 20 UK cities in Spring 2008. Tearfund and Climate Stewards campaigned jointly at Spring Harvest (the UK’s biggest Christian event) in favour of strengthening the UK Climate Change Bill.

SEL France, Food for the Hungry UK, Compassion UK and Tearfund offset their flights with Climate Stewards in support of native tree planting by A Rocha Ghana.

As A Rocha Canada plans to launch Climate Stewards, it is considering partnership with international relief agencies to strengthen the message and avoid duplication.

A Rocha International belongs to the Micah Network, a group of 300 Christian relief, development and justice organisations from 75 countries. They promote ‘integral mission’ to demonstrate the love of Christ to a whole world in need.

Similar trends are evident among secular groups. A Rocha International actively participates in the Poverty & Conservation Learning Group facilitated by the International Institute for Environment & Development.

Originally published in the A Rocha International Review 2007-2008.