More than 500 Christians gathered in central London at the weekend to celebrate 40 years of Christian Action Research and Education (CARE).

A service of thanksgiving was held at Westminster Chapel on Saturday afternoon, led by special guests and friends of CARE including RT Kendall, Glen Scrivener, and Graham Kendrick.

‘Politics renewed, lives transformed’

CARE’s CEO Ross Hendry commented:

“For 40 years CARE has been a light shining in the public square – sometimes noticed but frequently not, yet still quietly effective and impactful. As we celebrate and give thanks for all that God has done through CARE, we are conscious that there is still much to be done. There is brokenness to be healed, politics that needs renewing, lives and communities awaiting transformation by better laws, and practical support.

“As a generation of faithful Christian politicians retires over the next few years, we are uniquely placed and able to reach a new generation of MPs and Peers. Our position, relationships and expertise mean we can be at the heart of decision-making, shaping laws that not only restrain evil but promote the welfare of our nation. Our skills and reputation for developing remarkable public leaders will be needed more than ever in the years ahead.”

“As we enter our fifth decade of work, our vision is no less ambitious than it was at the beginning. We want to see politics renewed, lives transformed, and God’s better story told to our broken world. We are deeply grateful for every person who partners with us.”

Humbled and thankful

CARE’s Chairman Lyndon Bowring and his wife Celia, a co-founder of CARE, described their thankfulness after four decades. In a joint statement, they said:

“We're overwhelmed with God's faithfulness to CARE over the past 40 years and believe that this generation needs CARE more than ever. We're exceedingly confident in the current CARE team and trust that by His grace the latter days will be even more significant than the former.”

Christian leaders in various fields expressed thanks for CARE’s ministry over the years and stressed the need for its continued advocacy in years to come.

Click here to read statements by pastor and theologian RT Kendall, singer songwriter Graham Kendrick, Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley, and others.

Some pictures of the event on Saturday are also available at this link, and on request.

Notes for Editors

Founded in 1983, CARE is a social policy charity providing Christian insight on matters of law and policy in the main legislatures of the UK, and in the media.

Through its training scheme the Institute of Faith and Culture CARE also equips up future leader learn, grow, and be inspired for a life­time of public service.

CARE’s origins lie in the Nationwide Festival of Light, a movement of Christians in the 1970s that strove for greater Christian engagement with culture and politics.

CARE produced a video documentary in 2021 entitled “Our Story So Far”, which explains more. This can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.

For more information, or to request an interview, contact:

press@care.org.uk