07 January 2014
Churches challenged to spread the word on donation
- Join the Church Challenge here
Churches across the UK are being challenged to become "Donor Churches" and raise the profile of blood and organ donation in their community. The fab Church Challenge launched this week by the fleshandblood campaign is the first of its kind and seeks to encourage churches to see blood and organ donation as part of their giving.
"We have seen an amazing response in the UK Church over the past 12 months and are encouraged by the number of local churches raising the profile of blood and organ donation", says Juls Hollidge, fleshandblood's Campaign Director.
"What we need now is a long term commitment that continues to support the ongoing demand for blood and organs that the NHS faces every year."
In just one year, 30,000 churches have received information about the fleshandblood campaign and across the UK denominations, organisations and festivals have taken part in raising the profile of donation, mobilising the church to increase the number of donors. This new challenge aims to equip local churches as long term advocates of donation providing practical tools to help churches donate together, talk about donation and raise awareness in their communities.
In response to the introduction of the Church Challenge Lynda
Hamlyn, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant who was
awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours for her services
to healthcare said, "On behalf of NHS Blood and Transplant I'd
like to thank churches for their support, for making donation
important in their community and for the hope this will bring to
all those who
depend on our life saving work."
Groundbreaking research carried out by the fleshandblood campaign suggests that 70% of Christians already consider blood and/or organ donation to be part of their core "Christian giving" or are open to the idea. Almost one in ten Christians have given blood in the last year compared to 4% of the eligible population over the last two years.
Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church said, "The fab Church Challenge is an exciting opportunity for churches to become long term advocates of blood and organ donation in their local communities. By raising awareness, encouraging discussion and providing ways to give they could play a significant role in transforming the lives of others through donation."
Sponsored by Give.net and in association with denominations,
organisations and festivals including the Church of England,
The Salvation Army, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church,
Baptist Union, Church In Wales, Church of Scotland, Seventh
Day Adventist Church, Hope and Evangelical Alliance, the
fleshandblood campaign marks the
first time the NHS has worked alongside the Church
on a national initiative of this kind.
Around three people die per day due to the shortage of organs in the UK. This unique campaign seeks to equip individuals and churches as advocates for blood and organ donation, enabling them to raise awareness of blood and organ donation with their family, friends and community and potentially help to save thousands of lives each year.