Transforming the lives of neglected children in Belarus, Moldova, Russia & Ukraine

Admist the oak-panelled splendour of the Governor’s Hall at St Thomas’s Hospital, London, the speakers at our first Conference captivated the attention of the audience as we explored Christianity and Social Welfare in Eastern Europe from an historic and current perspective. Extracts and full transcripts are below but first a comment from one of our guests, Anthony Grimley, Director of Monos (a centre for the study of Monastic Culture and Spirituality):

"[What] was challenging was the selfless work that ChildAid and in particular the patrons do for the children in Russia and beyond. I did not give money to ChildAid because I was asked to, I gave it because I want to be a part of the tireless work that ChildAid does in order to love, cherish and protect children"

Canon Michael Bourdeaux took us on journey through Soviet history from Lenin to Gorbachev and beyond in its relation to Christianity. He spoke of the horrifying suffering that many churches and individuals experienced as they played a key role in moving the old regime from radical atheism to toleration and even acceptance.  He praised ChildAid and its forerunners for its persistence and encouragement in the turmoil of Eastern Europe then and now.  

Full transcript available here >>

Metropolitan Kallistos spoke of the inseparable connection between what we believe and what we do as Christians.  Through various quotations from the Bible, the early Church and modern martyrs he showed that “personal alms giving and the most wide ranging social work are equally justifiable and necessary” if we are to be the body of Christ.  Only in this way can the “Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven”.

Full transcript available here >>

Bishop Geoffrey Rowell brought us a message from one of his clergy in Russia which spoke of how the lives of ordinary people, especially the vulnerable and children, do not benefit from the new-found wealth there. They are in deep crisis and the need for organisations such as ChildAid  to live the Gospel by word and deed is as great now as ever it was. Bishop Geoffrey urged greater support and giving to ChildAid to meet this need.  

Full transcript available here >>

The whole evening was ably Chaired by Very Revd John Arnold. He gently and persistently reminded us that so often the greatest Christian social impact comes not from great  schemes and plans but through meeting the smallest needs of each individual person and doing that to the best of our abilities, where we are and in what we can do - as Christ did. That, he thought, was one of the enduring and towering strengths of ChildAid .