Commitment for Life
The URC's scheme to help some of the world's poorest people.
Commitment for Life exists to encourage all United Reformed and Local Ecumenical Partnership churches to take action, pray and give for people across the world. By linking with campaigns, partners and projects through Christian Aid and the World Development Movement, you can make a difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.
What can we do?
Each Commitment for Life church is linked through Christian Aid to one of the four countries/regions below:
• Bangladesh
• Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory
• Jamaica
• Zimbabwe
You then appoint a representative to be the vital link between your church and the Commitment for Life coordinator. Through this person, your church will receive mailings three times a year. Caterham URC chose Zimbabwe some time ago. Elizabeth Pritchard is our link and Richard Wallis is the CfL Treasurer.
Giving
There are many ways in which you and your church can support Commitment for Life financially:
• by giving one per cent of your income as a committed giver
• by holding monthly envelope collections. Gift Aid can be added via the church
• by leaving a legacy
• through a yearly Sunday service
• by hosting social and educational events.
Campaigning
A vital part of Commitment for Life is campaigning. You will be sent information regularly on how you can work practically to change the systems, structures and processes that keep people locked into poverty.
More details can be found here.
Commitment for Life encourages all United Reformed and Local Ecumenical Partnership churches to take action, pray and give for people across the world. It works with both Christian Aid and The World Development Movement. Last year they raised over £600,000 (due to a substantial legacy) to help alleviate the root causes of poverty. 75% goes to Christian Aid to be divided equally among the four partner countries, 10% to the World Development Movement and 15% for administration, resources and grant giving. It is the recommended way for all United Reformed Churches to give to Christian Aid.
Commitment for Life now has a Facebook page. Find us here. and follow what we are up to