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Our visionand mission

Our vision is a world transformed to reflect the Kingdom ofGod: a world where –

> the rights and dignity of every person are respected

> all have access to basic needs in life

> women and men share equally in shaping theirsocieties and our world

> the gifts of creation are nurtured and shared by allfor the common good

> the structures that shape people’s lives are justand enable peace

Vision

‘On this earth there is room for

everyone: here the entire human

family must find the resources to

live with dignity, through the

help of nature itself — God's gi;

to his children — and through

hard work and creativity.’

(Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate 50)CHANGE >

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We are inspired by Scripture, CatholicSocial Teaching and by the experiencesand hopes of people who aredisadvantaged and living in poverty. Wework with people of all faiths and none.

As part of the Catholic community, andtogether with partners and the globalCaritas family, we:

> work with poor and disadvantagedcommunities in the global Southto overcome poverty and bringabout sustainable developmentand well-being

> protect lives and relieve sufferingduring emergencies; reduce therisks to vulnerable communitiesas a result of conflict andnatural disasters

> raise awareness and understandingof the causes of poverty andinjustice to inspire a commitmentto lasting change

> challenge those with power to adoptpolicies and behaviour that promotesocial justice and end poverty

To fulfill this mission we raise fundsand mobilise action from theCatholic community and beyond,and are sustained by their prayerand commitment.

Mission

PARTNERSHIP >

FAITH IDENTITY >

‘Aspire not to have more,but to be more.’

(Archbishop Oscar Romero)

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> CompassionConfronted by globalpoverty and suffering, ourfundamental response iscompassion rooted in love.We refuse to accept thesuffering of our brothers andsisters and we are compelledto take action to alleviate it.

> SolidarityWe walk alongside poor anddisadvantaged communities,making their cause our cause,uniting in action and prayer.We share our resources, andwe work together tochallenge the policies andsystems that keep peoplepoor so that the whole ofhumanity can flourish.

> DignityWe believe in the intrinsicdignity of every person.We work with all peopleregardless of race, gender,religion or politics. We tryalways to be an inclusive anddiverse organisation, whichcelebrates difference andcreates relationships ofmutual respect.

> HopeOur hope is inspired byChristian faith and thestrength and resourcefulnessof our partners and thepeople whom they serve. Inthe knowledge that Christianhope is not passive, webelieve that, by workingtogether, a better world canand must be achieved so thatall can enjoy fullness of life.

CHANGE > PARTNERSHIP >

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Ourvalues– whatinspires us

> SustainabilityWe recognise the intimaterelationship betweenprotecting and sustaining theenvironment and promotinghuman development. We aimto take proper account ofecological sustainability inour work and in our lifestyle,believing we are enriched byliving simply.

> PartnershipWe build links between poorcommunities in the globalSouth and the Catholiccommunity in England andWales. We work alongsideour partners at home andoverseas, acknowledging thatwe receive as well as give. Wework within, and beyond, ourwider Catholic family seekingjustice to change our worldfor the better.

> StewardshipWe strive to be good stewardsof all the resources entrustedto us. We endeavour to beopenly accountable for ourwork, transparent in ourdecision making, focusing onpositive change throughsystematically evaluating ourimpact and effectiveness.

‘Solidarity... is not a feeling of vague compassion or

shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many

people, both near and far. It is a firm and persevering

determination to commit oneself to the common

good … to the good of all and of each individual.’

(John Paul II, Sollicitudo rei socialis 38)