Overseas Aid and Development (CAFOD)
CAFOD is the official overseas development and relief agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
CAFOD has been fighting poverty in developing countries since 1962.
CAFOD believes that all human beings have a right to dignity and respect, and that the world's resources are a gift to be shared equally by all men and women, whatever their race, nationality or religion.
CAFOD is a member of the Caritas International Federation, a worldwide network of Catholic relief and development organisations.
CAFOD raises funds from the Catholic community in England and Wales, the UK government and the general public so that it can:
- promote long-term development, helping people in need to bring about change for themselves through development and relief work.
- respond to emergencies, providing immediate help for people affected by conflict or natural disasters.
- identify the causes of poverty and raise public awareness of them, encouraging supporters and the public to challenge the structures, policies and attitudes that reinforce inequality.
- speak out on behalf of poor communities, explaining the underlying causes of poverty and challenging governments and international bodies to adopt policies that promote equality and justice.
- promote human development and social justice in witness to Christian faith and gospel values.
"It is the determined work of agencies like CAFOD that has helped put third world poverty at the heart of the political agenda at the start of the new millennium"
Prime Minister Gordon Brown
"The whole Catholic community is very proud of the work of CAFOD for the poor and the underprivileged of the world. It deserves our gratitude and support."
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, speaking on CAFOD’s 40th Anniversary
Photo Credits: ACT/Caritas