Christian Aid, the international development and humanitarian agency of the British churches, has today announced Bishop Sarah as its next Chair.
Bishop Sarah has been outspoken on issues of poverty and justice in London, the UK and globally for many years. She has recently highlighted the dramatic increase in numbers of newly-recognised refugees to the UK experiencing homelessness and the role played by church communities across London in supporting them. In recent debates on the UK Government’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, she argued in favour of asylum seekers’ rights and of the need for the UK to maintain its long-standing leadership in the international development community.
Bishop Sarah also chaired the UK Commission on Bereavement, set up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic’s profound impact on those who faced bereavement and experienced loss. In 2022, she led the Health Inequalities Action Group, which published a series of recommendations exploring London’s health inequalities and how faith groups can, and do, contribute to the health of their communities.
Similarly, Bishop Sarah’s role for Christian Aid will sit alongside her existing responsibilities as Bishop of London.
Bishop Sarah said:
“I have long admired Christian Aid and its steadfast commitment to combating poverty and injustice and campaigning for change. This work has never been more vital than now, as the climate crisis forces us to face questions about our stewardship of creation, and violence and conflict around the world acutely undermine God’s agenda of justice and peace. Here in the Capital, I see first-hand the huge support from parishes and church communities for Christian Aid’s mission, which resonates with our own vision and values, as well as those of the Church of England and beyond.
“As Chair, I hope to bring not only the knowledge and experience I have gained as Bishop of London but my experience as a nurse and my faith as a Christian. I look forward to supporting Patrick and the Christian Aid family.”
Announcing the appointment, Christian Aid’s CEO Patrick Watt said:
“We are delighted to welcome Bishop Sarah as the new chair of Christian Aid.
“Throughout her church ministry and her nursing career, Bishop Sarah has been committed to our goal of ending the injustice of extreme poverty. She has been a powerful advocate for women’s rights, and for dignity and equality for all people. She shares our vision of working in partnership with others to create a just and peaceful world.
“Her faith, leadership, and breadth of experience will be invaluable in helping to guide Christian Aid as we navigate a fast-changing NGO landscape, in which our work is as urgent as it’s ever been. We look forward to working with her.”
Bishop Sarah’s appointment follows an extensive global search led by Perrett Laver and Christian Aid trustees which ended in formal approval by Christian Aid’s board and sponsoring churches.