Thanksgiving service marks 80 years of Christian Aid Ireland
A special thanksgiving service took place at Belfast Cathedral on Friday evening, 20th June to mark Christian Aid Ireland turning 80; marking the global impact made possible by the individuals, churches, staff and partners of Christian Aid Ireland.
Christian Aid was founded by the churches in Britain and Ireland in 1945, in the aftermath of World War Two, to respond to the refugee crisis in Europe.
During the service there were reflections from Christian Aid’s history, including an interview with Mrs Gillian Kingston. Music was provided from Renaissance Choir and Intercultural Worship Ireland and the preacher on the evening was former Chair of Christian Aid Ireland, The Rt Rev Trevor Williams.
Other guests included the Church of Ireland’s Primate, Archbishop John McDowell; the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Moderator, the Rt Revd Dr Trevor Gribben; the Methodist Church in Ireland’s President and Lay Leader, the Revd Alan Wardlow and Mrs Elaine Barnett; Junior Minister in the Executive Office, Pam Cameron MLA; the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly; and Dr Howard Hastings OBE DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast.
Photographs by Frank Dillon Photography