MODERATOR ROSIE WANTS CHURCH MEMBERS TO SUPPORT CHRISTIAN AID

The Rt Rev Rosie Frew said she hoped they would show extravagant love, her theme for the year, and donate money to the international development charity, which believes that when hope is unstoppable, change is possible.

During her year in office, the Moderator is presenting a special postcard to people she meets, which bears a message asking people to support Christian Aid.Known as the Moderator’s Gift campaign, it directs people to a website where they can donate money to show the love that binds humanity together and tackle the root causes of extreme poverty and injustice.

For 80 years, Christian Aid has been dedicated to creating a world where people can live full lives, free from poverty.

Together with the Church of Scotland and 40 other sponsoring denominations, it works with local partners in more than 25 countries to fund emergency responses to humanitarian disasters and long-term development work that empowers local communities.

“Through the school, I took part in a 20-mile sponsored walk for Christian Aid which, from memory, began in a church hall in Shawlands.

“It was a mile to Pollok Country Park, we then did three, six-mile circuits of the park, back to the hall, and then a walk to my grandparent’s house, another mile along the road for tea.

“Not bad for a 12-year-old.

“I’ve supported Christian Aid over the years since in different ways.

“One of the first things I was asked to think about when I was nominated to be the Moderator of the General Assembly was gifts.

“I was told that the exchange of gifts throughout the year was a part of being Moderator.

“It has Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians on one side and on the other a request that, if you wish to give the Moderator a gift please make a donation to Christian Aid in this special anniversary year.”