Caritas is a global movement working in solidarity for a fairer world, inspired by the example of Christian faith and Catholic Social Teaching. It is unacceptable that millions of people are suffering through dehumanising poverty and social injustice and we want change.
The 165 national Caritas members make the biggest network of Catholic charities in the world devoted to reducing poverty and campaigning for social justice.
Mostly our members have Caritas in their names, but not always. We’re a bottom up family and our member identities reflect their different histories.
Think CRS, CAFOD, SCIAF, Cordaid, Trocaire, Secours Catholique, CADEV, and Karina. All are Caritas and that’s only a start.
APPROACH
Caritas is part of the communities that we work with. In that way we have a greater impact on many lives. We’re inside working out, not outside working in, always without regard to race or religion.
We’re challenging cultural, local, national and international governance structures that undermine the ability of our communities to live sustainable and just lives.
OUR WORK
We work in three main areas:
Emergencies: If there is a disaster, we’re the place you go to for safety, the neighbour who organises food and blankets, and the coalition of the good that pulls together global resources to support you.
Sustainable development: Whether it's access to healthcare, education, or clean water, we work with people to find their own solutions in our provision of social services and long term environmentally sustainable development.
Peace building: From Afghanistan to Colombia, East Timor to Kosovo, Iraq to Zimbabwe, Caritas is on the frontline of bringing about peace and reconciliation, especially through inter-religious dialogue.
