Unit 1

Christianity: Beliefs, Teachings

and Practices

Religious Studies Prestatyn High School Unit 1

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The Nature of

• Theist - someone who believes that God exists. Theists do not necessarily believe they can prove God's existence. • Agnostic - someone who holds the view that it is impossible to know the truth about some things, such as God's existence or the afterlife. • Atheist - someone who holds the view that there is no God. Atheists do not necessarily believe they can prove to be true.

There are a number of ways to describe the nature of God from a Christian perspective.

• - Christians believe that there is only one God. They are monotheists. • - most Christians believe that there are three distinct Persons to this one God and that these three Persons form a unity. This belief is called the doctrine of the Trinity: o - the creator and sustainer of all things. o God the Son - the incarnation of God as a human being, Jesus Christ, on Earth. o God the Holy Spirit - the power of God which is active in the world, drawing people towards God. • Holy - God is 'other', different from anything else - separate and . • - God is all-powerful - everything consistent with God's nature is possible. • - God is all-knowing, of past, present and future. • Omnibenevolence - God is all-good/all-loving. • - God is present everywhere.

Characteristics of God

Christians believe that God created the world and everything in it. They find this information in the first chapter of the Old Testament, Genesis, which states:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth. Genesis 1:1

As well as creating the world and everything in it, Christians believe that God continues to be involved in the world. This is what is meant by God as sustainer. This is the idea that everything in the world is still completely dependent on God for its existence.

Omnipotence

The term omnipotence refers to the idea that God is all-powerful. There are many stories in the Bible which reveal the power of God. An example of God's omnipotence is found in the chapter that describes the creation of the world in the book of Genesis. It states how God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, and how God made a man from the dust in the ground and a woman from man’s rib. Even Christians who do not believe this story to be literally true still accept that creation shows God's power.

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Some Christians are known as literalists. This is because they believe the accounts from the Bible to be the truth, and stated exactly as they happened. Others, known as non- literalists, believe the accounts may be more mythical. Despite how the accounts are interpreted, they still portray the power or omnipotence of God.

Omnibenevolence

The term omnibenevolence refers to the idea that God is an all-loving being. The idea of an all-loving God can be found in many different parts of the Bible:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Christians believe that God loved humanity so much that he chose to send Jesus to Earth so that people could have eternal life.

Omniscience

The term omniscience refers to the idea that God is all-knowing. The idea of an all-knowing God is mentioned in the Bible:

God is greater than our heart, and He knowns everything.1 John 3:20

Christians believe this all-knowing power goes beyond what we can imagine as humans. God knows if someone loses a single hair, and knows people's thoughts before they speak them.

Omnipresence

The term omnipresence refers to the belief that God is everywhere. Christians believe that God is present everywhere in the world, at all times.

The idea of an omnibenevolent and omnipotent God can often cause people to raise the in the world. It can be difficult for people to accept that an all- loving and all-powerful God would allow his creation to suffer.

Question Describe Christian beliefs about the nature of God.

A Christians believe that God has many different characteristics. They believe that God is omnipotent. This means that God is all-powerful. Examples of this can be seen in the Bible, such as God creating the world. Christians also believe that God is omnipresent. Christians believe that this means that God is everywhere all the time. The term omnibenevolence means all-loving, and Christians believe that God loves everyone unconditionally. Also, they believe that God is omniscient which means that he is all-knowing. Christians believe that God knows everything and this is how he judges humans.

Accounts of creation

According to Christian belief, God created the universe.

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There are two stories of how God created it which are found at the beginning of the book of Genesis in the Bible. Some Christians regard Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 as two totally separate myths that have a similar meaning. Others see the two chapters as part of one continuous story.

Genesis 1

Genesis 1 begins with:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light.

This account goes on to describe the seven days of creation:

• in the beginning - God started creation • the first day - light was created • the second day - the sky was created • the third day - dry land, seas, plants and trees were created • the fourth day - the Sun, Moon and stars were created • the fifth day - creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly were created • the sixth day - animals that live on the land and finally humans, made in the image of God were created • by day seven - God finished his work of creation and rested, making the seventh day a special holy day

Genesis 2

In Genesis 2, some people think that the story goes on to give more detail about the creation of humans, seen as two individuals, Adam and Eve.

Adam was made from 'the dust of the ground' when God breathed life into him. Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs to provide company and help for Adam. They lived in a special place called the Garden of Eden. Both of them were given the task and responsibility to look after the place that God had created for them.

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Main differences

There are some contradictions between the two accounts in Genesis 1 and 2, such as the order of when animals and humans were created:

• Genesis 1 - it states that animals, and finally humans, were created on day six • Genesis 2 - it implies that humans were created before animals

Some people think that Genesis 2 is just a more in-depth look at day six.

The key point of the Genesis story is that God is the creator of all things.

Literal and non-literal understanding of the Bible

There are different ways to read and understand the Bible.

Some Christians believe that the Bible stories, including the Genesis account, should be taken literally. This means that the biblical accounts are to be taken as fact, ie that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, and that no alternative or scientific theory is considered.

Many believe that the Bible accounts and stories have to be understood within the time that they were written. The authors of the biblical books had limited knowledge of science and the world, so the Genesis account was their way of trying to explain what they believed.

Other Christians interpret the Genesis account alongside science and reason to try and understand the key message – that God is responsible for the creation of the world. Science may be able to explain how the universe was created, but Christians believe that religion explains the reason it was created.

• Literalist Christians believe that God created the world exactly as it states in the Bible, ie God taking six days to create everything and resting on the seventh day. • Non-literalist Christians may see biblical accounts as more mythical stories. They often agree with scientific theories such as the Big Bang, but believe that God caused these.

Non-literalist Christians will often accept the theory of evolution, as the word ‘day’ meant ‘period of time’ when the Bible was written, which means God could have created the world over seven periods of time.

The image of God

Christians believe that human beings were created in the likeness and image of God. The exact meaning of this has been debated. However, all Christians accept that it refers to the idea that humans were made to ‘resemble’ God.

This does not mean that humans are like God in appearance, but that they have been given the same mental, moral and social qualities of God. One thing that is made clear is that

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humans are the only part of creation to have been made in the image of God. Humans are therefore given a higher status.

Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27

What does ‘image of God’ mean for Christians?

Different Christians will have different understandings of what the ‘image of God’ means. Some understand it to mean that humans share God's character and nature, or that humans are representatives of God on earth. Others understand that it allows humans to be in communion with God, and gives responsibility over his creation. The states that it allows them to be in communion with God, and gives responsibility over his creation. Humans are given dominion over the world and are stewards of the land.

The nature of humanity

Soul

Christians believe that when the physical body dies, a non-physical part of the person continues to live on. This is known as the soul. Christians believe that the soul is God-given and that it is immortal. Christians believe that only humans have souls and this is what makes people unique and special and different to all other life forms.

The soul is sometimes described as the spiritual element of humans. Jeremiah 1:5 might suggest that the soul was part of humans before they were even created, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” It is the soul that will go onto the afterlife, ie Heaven, Hell or Purgatory.

The soul and body are united together to form one being. However, the difference is that:

• the body is mortal • the soul is immortal

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There are divided opinions about exactly what happens to the soul after the death of the human body:

• some Christians believe that the body and soul rise to Heaven together at the final resurrection • others believe that only the soul will leave the body and return to be reunited with God at the final resurrection

Then the God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7

Morality

As all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, Christians believe that humans therefore have a duty to act and live moral lives. This refers to the idea of having a sense of right and wrong. It is, again, only humans who have these morals, and this is what separates people from other creatures. Christians believe that God made the universe morally good from the beginning.

As Christians share in God’s image, they believe that they should live according to God’s plan and design. This will include care of the Earth as well as their own lives and bodies. They should live in a way that glorifies what God has created.

Free will

Free will refers to the ability to choose between different possible courses of action.

Christians believe that all humans have free will and this free will is God-given, ie God gave humans the ability and the free will to make their own decisions and choices. Without free will, humans could not be described as moral beings, as they will not have made the conscious choice to live and act in a moral way.

An example can be seen in Genesis where Eve is tempted by the serpent and, as a result of her free will, is accountable for her actions. The Bible makes it clear that humans not only have the ability to choose, they also have the responsibility to choose wisely.

Rationality

Rationality refers to the idea that God made humans as rational beings. This means that humans can use their ability to reason and make decisions or judgements based on this reason. Unlike other living beings, humans have the ability to think and understand. This helps them weigh up actions and consequences, using their conscience and experience to guide them.

Creative

One of the main purposes of humans is to be creative, as can be seen in Genesis 1:28. God created humans to be fruitful and multiply and to populate the Earth. This is the nature, and one of the main purposes, of humans.

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This refers to the idea that God created humans with the ability of creativity, meaning that humans have the ability to use this creativity to help them and others in this world.

An example of this would be the way that humans have used plants for so many different purposes, such as food, clothing, furniture and construction. The creative abilities that humans possess reflect something of God's own nature.

Fallen

The term fallen is related to original sin, which is the idea that all humans are born with a tendency to sin. Christians have traditionally believed that original sin is the result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God when they ate the fruit from the Garden of Eden. Christians believe that when Adam and Eve disobeyed God they ‘fell’ from perfection and brought evil into a perfect world.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of , for when you eat from it you will certainly die.' Genesis 2:15-17

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden they brought sin into the world and in doing so separated humans from God.

Question Describe the Christian beliefs about the nature of humanity.

A Christians believe that humans are unique, as they are made in the image of God. Although the exact meaning of this is unknown, there is a general agreement that it gives humans a special status in creation. Christians also believe that God gave humans free will to allow them to make informed decisions for themselves. Humans are also the only creatures who have a soul which is reunited with God after death, and only humans can make moral decisions and know the difference between right and wrong.

The Trinity

The Trinity refers to the idea that God is one, but exists in three different Persons. The word ‘trinity’ comes from the word ‘tri’ meaning ‘three’ and ‘unity’ meaning ‘one’.Christians believe that there are three distinct Persons to this one God and that these three Persons form a unity. This belief is called the doctrine of the Trinity:

• God the Father - the creator and sustainer of all things • God the Son - the incarnation of God as a human being, Jesus Christ, on Earth • God the Holy Spirit - the power of God which is active in the world, drawing people towards God

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A useful way of understanding the Trinity is by thinking of how H2O comes in three forms: liquid, ice and steam. These different forms are still all H2O, just like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are different but still God.

God the Father

Christians refer to God as the Father. God the Father is the creator of all things. This means that he was the creator of the world and everything in it. He is the father of the universe.

God is also viewed as a loving father. This means that he cares and loves humanity, as a father loves his son. This is shown in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11-32)

In the parable, despite the son having squandered his early inheritance, the father still welcomes him home with open arms and a celebration. In the same way, God welcomes back those who have sinned and now seek to be reconciled with him.

God is also known as the father of Jesus Christ, as Jesus claimed to have a special relationship with God.

No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27

God the Son

God the Son refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. For Christians, this is Jesus as God in human form, who was sent to save humanity. He was sacrificed for the sins of humankind, which allows them to be reunited with God after death. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God on Earth - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14).

Christians believe that the Son was present at the creation of the universe, but wasn’t in his human form at this stage. God chose to reveal himself as a human being in order to spread his teaching, to show how life should be lived, and to represent humanity for their salvation.

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the power of God at work on the Earth. In the scriptures it is often depicted as wind, fire or in the form of a dove. It is through the power and workings of the Holy Spirit that God is known today, and how Christians can know what God wants them to do.

It is also through the Holy Spirit that Christians receive grace and gifts from God, such as faithfulness and self-control:

The Holy Spirit is connected with life and the soul. When Adam was created, God breathed life into him. Christians also believe that it was through the Holy Spirit that Mary became pregnant with Jesus.

Christians believe that the Holy Spirit continues to act through people, producing characteristics which show a true Christian.

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Jesus as God Incarnate

The term Jesus as God Incarnate, refers to the idea that Jesus is God in the form of a human. It is the Christian belief that Jesus is God in human form. This is the part of the Trinity known as ‘God the Son’.

So God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life John 3:16

Incarnation means ‘made flesh’. It is the Christian belief that God became a man in the person of Jesus, fully human and fully divine. God becoming human in the form of Jesus.

The Son

God the Son was sent to Earth in human form to save humans. His death on the cross was a sacrifice for the sins of humanity which allows them to be reunited with God. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God on Earth:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us John 1:14

The Holy Spirit

Some of the evidence which suggests Jesus was a divine figure comes from the many passages in the Bible where the Holy Spirit is connected to Jesus in some way. Christians believe that:

• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit • the dove at the baptism of Jesus was the Holy Spirit • Jesus was able to heal through the power of the Holy Spirit

There is also evidence of the divine connection between Jesus the Son, and the Father, and the Holy Spirit, when Jesus tells his disciples:

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.John 14:6

Jesus as Messiah

The term Messiah is Hebrew and means ‘anointed one’.

This is a title given to the person believed to be the saviour, who has been chosen to bring salvation to humankind

The term ‘anointed one’ is used in both Christianity and Judaism. Christians believe that the Messiah was sent by God to save humanity.

The terms Messiah and Christ both mean ‘anointed one.’

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Throughout the New Testament there is evidence of Jesus as the chosen one through his resurrection from the dead and the miracles he performed. The Messiah was sent to save humanity, and this salvation came about through his death and resurrection.

Jesus as Saviour

When Christians refer to Jesus as the Saviour, they are referring to the belief that he gave up his own life to save humans from their sins. The name Jesus translates as ‘the Lord saves’. Many believe that Jesus was born for this end result:

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Jesus’ death and resurrection proves to Christians that he is the Saviour that God promised and the path to salvation.

Through Christ’s death on the cross, Christians are saved from eternal damnation and are given the hope of salvation.

Through his death and resurrection, Jesus atoned for the sins of humanity, allowing them to be reconciled with God.

Christians believe that Christ is the only way to salvation, and that salvation will be for those who believe. In John’s Gospel it is stated that with God’s sacrifice of his only Son, there is salvation and redemption for humanity.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16

Atonement

The term atonement refers to the belief that Jesus dying on the cross resolved the problems between humans and God. These problems began with Adam and Eve, who went against God's wishes by eating the fruit from the tree in the Garden of Eden.

Christians believe that Jesus’s death on the cross was an atonement for the sins caused by humans. In John's Gospel, Jesus is described as:

The lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world John 1:19

Word

Jesus is referred to as the Word in John's Gospel. The exact meaning of this is not clear and different Christians explain it in different ways. In John 1:1, it states that the word existed in the beginning.

John’s Gospel starts by describing Jesus as the Word, ie the Living Word of God. In the Old Testament the Word was revealed through the prophets, whereas in the New Testament the Word is revealed through the person of Christ.

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And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth .John 1:14

Jesus' life

The events of Jesus’ life are central to the Christian faith and are what many of the Church teachings are built upon. Without Christ being incarnate on Earth, the Christian faith would not exist.

Four key events of Jesus’ life offer proof and evidence of him as God incarnate and fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament. These four events are:

• birth • crucifixion and death • resurrection • ascension

Jesus’ birth

Jesus’ birth was announced to Mary by the Angel Gabriel, who agreed to God’s plan and to carry the Son of God. Mary was specifically chosen. Catholics believe that, unlike the rest of humanity, she was born sinless, known as the Immaculate Conception.

The gospels state that Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem, as a census had been called and each was to return to their hometown. Due to the census, Bethlehem was full and Mary gave birth to the Son of God and laid him in a manger, which is a feeding trough for animals.

Both Matthew and Luke’s Gospels tell of visitors to the newborn. In Matthew’s Gospel, the Magi come to visit the new baby and bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh after following a star to find the child. These gifts are a sign of holiness and royalty – they are a sign that the baby is a king.

In Luke’s Gospel, the shepherds come to and praise the newborn child. The poor and humble shepherds and the foreign Magi show that Jesus came to serve and save all people from all races and backgrounds.

Question: Describe the Christian beliefs about the birth of Jesus.

A Christians believe that Jesus’ birth was unique and special. His mother, Mary, was told by the Angel Gabriel that she was pregnant and that she must call the baby Jesus. Christians believe this was the work of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was born, it was believed that he was brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, which were a sign that the baby would be a king.

The crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus’ crucifixion is a culmination of a series of events including:

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• his entry into Jerusalem on a donkey • the Last Supper • the betrayal of Judas • two trials

After Jesus was sent to Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman governor of Judea at the time, Pilate offered the choice of who to condemn to death to the crowd, as was tradition. The crowd chose to free Barabbas, a well-known criminal, thereby condemning Christ to death.

Once Jesus had been condemned he was whipped, stripped of his clothes and given a crown of thorns and a robe to wear as the crowds mocked him. He was given his cross to carry to Golgotha where he was to be crucified. He fell three times on the path, and a man called Simon from Cyrene was forced to help him carry the cross.

At Golgotha, his clothing was split amongst the guards and he was crucified between two criminals with a sign reading ‘The king of the Jews’ placed above his head.

At noon the sky went dark and three hours later Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why did you abandon me?" (Matthew 27:46).

He was offered wine, but he took his final breath and died. At that moment the veil in the temple tore in two and the Earth shook.

When the army officer and the soldiers with him who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and everything else that happened, they were terrified and said, 'He really was the Son of God! 'Matthew 27:54

Resurrection

Jesus’ time on Earth does not end with Jesus’ death. Jesus’ resurrection fulfils the prophecy that the Son of Man would rise again.

On the Sunday morning, Luke’s Gospel states that some of the women went to visit the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body. When they arrived they found the stone covering the tomb rolled away and two men in bright shining clothes appeared to them. They asked the women:

Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised. Luke 24:5

The women went to tell the apostles who did not believe them, so Peter ran to the tomb and found it empty, just as the women had said. He returned amazed at what he had witnessed.

The key days celebrated in Holy Week are Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The ascension

After Jesus’ resurrection he spent time with the apostles and told them that God would send down the Holy Spirit to them just as he had promised.

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He sent them out to tell people about him and his teaching. He led them out to Bethany, outside of the city and blessed them.

He was then taken up in a cloud into heaven. Two men then appeared clothed in white robes and asked why they were watching the heavens.

The ascension shows Jesus returning to his Father and later at Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, just as Jesus had promised.

Morality

Ethical decision making

Most people would agree that human beings know the difference between right and wrong, or between good and bad actions.

Humans may not always choose to do the right thing, but they do have the ability to understand when an action is wrong.

Christians have different beliefs and approaches when it comes to ethical decision making. These include:

• • moral absolutism • moral relativism • situation ethics

Approaches to decision-making

There are a variety of approaches to decision making and each approach has its positives and negatives.

There are two different types of theories:

• deontological theory, which focuses on the actions themselves being right or wrong • teleological theory, which focuses on the consequences or outcomes of the actions being classed as right or wrong

Divine command theory

Divine command theory is the belief that things are right because God commands them to be. In other words, it means that things which are considered wrong or unethical are wrong because they are forbidden by God.

It is an absolutist theory. This means that there is no debate or discussion over whether an action is right or wrong. The divine command theory defines an act or action as good or bad, depending on whether it supports God’s commands or not.

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Any act that goes against what God has commanded is classed as wrong, no matter the situation or circumstance. An absolutist approach means that the decision and outcome will always be the same.

Positives

• There is no ‘grey’ area when it comes to decision making. • There are set guidelines and rules to follow. • Emotions will not cloud judgements.

Negatives

• Situations are all different, so need a different response. • To be moral beings, then humans should make their own decisions and not simply follow instructions.

Situation ethics

Situation ethics is a theory where the situation is taken into account first, before deciding on the rules of right and wrong. There is no set of rules, because what might be considered immoral in one situation could be considered the most moral thing to do in another.

This approach is teleological rather than deontological as it is focused on the purpose and reason for the actions rather than the actions themselves.

As each situation is different, the outcome therefore will be too. This approach allows the individual to focus on all the factors involved and weigh them up. Situation ethics state that there are no moral laws or rules and that the context is important. The general rule of this approach is that the correct action should be the most loving action.

In a situational approach, each situation is unique and should be treated as so.

Positives

• Individuals have control over their own lives and decision making. • Each situation is different so deserves consideration.

Negatives

• Each person’s definition of love is different so cannot ensure the most loving action is always carried out. • Individuals can justify any action. • There is no clear guidance for any situation.

Example of situation ethics

Everyone knows that killing another person is considered to be wrong. But some people believe that there are some situations when it is acceptable to kill, eg using euthanasia to ease the pain of a dying person, or in wars.

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Teachings of Jesus

The Golden Rule

One of the main Christian teachings about morality and how others should be treated comes from Jesus’ teaching of the Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule tells Christians to treat other people as they would like to be treated.

Life after death

Jesus taught his followers that those who live good lives and follow his teachings will be rewarded with eternal life in God’s kingdom. Jesus also taught that those who commit sins and turn their back on God will receive eternal punishment in Hell. Jesus also teaches that the path to eternity with God is not an easy one. The path to Hell, however, is an easier one and so many more people follow it.

Jesus taught that people should act morally in life, not just to receive eternal life with God, but because humans should want to carry out good deeds for their own satisfaction and to help others.

Christians believe that Jesus will judge people’s behaviour and that they will be punished not only for sinning but also for failing to do good.

The Parable of the Sheep and Goats

In many of his parables, including the Sheep and Goats, Jesus teaches about what will happen at the end of time. All of humanity shall be judged on the way they have lived and how they have acted. The parable of the Sheep and the Goats gives a picture of how humans will be divided at the end of time at the Final Judgement.

When the Son of Man comes as King... he will divide them into two groups, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the righteous people at his right and the others at his left.

Jesus' parables on life and death explain the following:

• it is up to each individual where they end up after death • it is up to each individual how they live their life • whether they follow the will of God will determine where eternity is spent

Agape (love)

The Greeks have four different terms to define love, one for each type of love:

• eros – the love felt when you're in love with someone

• philia – the love felt towards close friends

• storge – a natural love or fondness felt between family members

• agape – unconditional, unwavering love

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In the scriptures, the love that Jesus talks about and refers to is agape love. The term agape refers to unconditional love. Christians believe this is the highest type of love, and it is the love that Jesus has for humans. Agape involves feeling so much love for someone that you put them before yourself.

The most famous teaching of Christ on this is from the Last Supper in John’s Gospel. Jesus gives his final commandment to his apostles to love one another.

And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35

Jesus is commanding his apostles to love everyone, just as he has done. To be a follower of Christ means to show unconditional love to all, including those who may be considered as enemies.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Jesus used the Parable of the Good Samaritan as an example of loving those who may not be our friends.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:43-47

Jesus taught his followers to:

Love your neighbour as yourself. Matthew 22:39

Jesus was asked to confirm what he meant by the word ‘neighbour’. This is when he told the Parable of the Good Samaritan to explain that people should love everyone, including their enemies. It is easy to love friends and family, but it is much more difficult to love those who you may not get along with, or even those who may harm or hurt you. To show love to your enemies is to truly love as Christ did.

Parable of the Good Samaritan

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus uses the example of the Jew and the Samaritan, who would not ordinarily have been friendly towards each other. However, out of all those who could have helped the Jew, only the Samaritan did. Jesus tells of a man who was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers on the way. He was badly beaten and left for dead.

The first person to pass the injured man was a priest, who crossed the road and continued walking.

The second person to pass the injured man was a Levite, a priest’s assistant. He also crossed the road and continued walking without helping the man.

The third person to come by was a Samaritan, a person from Samaria. The Samaritans were hated by the Jews. When the Samaritan saw the man, he took pity on him. He bandaged

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The parable ends with Jesus giving a commandment to go out and do the same as the Samaritan had done. This teaching of loving one’s enemies is also reflected in Matthew's Gospel.

Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness

Linked to Jesus’ teaching on love is his teaching on forgiveness. Forgiveness is an important part of Christianity. It does not mean that Christians let others get away with things, but more that they make a conscious effort to forgive and let go of feelings that come with bearing a grudge against a person. These feelings of anger and hatred can cause harm to the person feeling them, so Jesus taught people to try and let them go.

There is no act more difficult than to forgive someone, especially when they may have caused harm or upset. To show forgiveness is an act of love.

Forgiveness also involves the person who has done wrong showing remorse. This could be done by praying to God to ask for forgiveness.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

Question: Explain the Christian beliefs about forgiveness.

A Christians believe that forgiveness is very important. Jesus taught that we should forgive, and Christians try to follow the path of Jesus. Forgiveness does not mean that the person who has wronged gets away with it, as they must show remorse as well. It is more about the victim letting go of the feelings of anger and hatred towards the person who has wronged them – for if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. This shows Christians that they will be rewarded for their forgiveness. The teaching from Jesus love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you reminds people that they should not hold onto feelings of anger and revenge.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father forgives his son when he returns and welcomes him home. In the same way, God waits for humans to realise what they have done wrong and ask for forgiveness and welcomes them back when they do. It is the willingness to ask for forgiveness and change one's behaviour that is central to the idea of forgiveness. In the same way that God forgives humans, so humans have to forgive those around them. If people fail to do so, they cannot expect to be forgiven by God.

The Lord's Prayer

This same teaching is reflected in the Lord's Prayer - Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. It is also not enough to forgive just once. Jesus says

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Forgiving someone when they have caused harm or pain is a difficult thing to do, but in the Gospels Jesus sets an example. Jesus forgave those who crucified him, Jesus said, 'Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing.' This act of forgiveness shows that any act can be forgiven.

Treasures on Earth and in Heaven

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus specifies the difference between treasures on Earth and in Heaven.

Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are. Matthew 6:19-21

The message of this teaching is that worldly goods can be stolen, or even perish, but good deeds are more spiritual and their spiritual value will be revealed after death. Wealth on Earth cannot compare to the treasures of Heaven. In order to gain heavenly treasure, an individual has to forgo temptations on Earth, and if they are wealthy then their riches should be given away and used to help those in need and not stored up.

Christians believe that it is important to carry out good deeds during their time on Earth, as this will be rewarded in the afterlife. These good deeds must be things which are motivated by love, and benefit others.

Christians believe that as well as good deeds being rewarded in the afterlife, bad deeds will be punished, so they will always try to do what is right.

Jesus' teachings on wealth

Jesus taught in parables about wealth and what those who are wealthy should do with it. He said:

It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Matthew 19:24

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the rich man does nothing while alive to help Lazarus, a poor beggar, and when he dies the rich man goes to Hell whilst Lazarus goes to Heaven. While in Hell the rich man asks Abraham for some relief and he is declined, in the same way that he did nothing to help Lazarus. He also asks Abraham if he can go and warn his brothers, but once again is declined, as his brothers have the prophets to listen to.

This parable sends the message that worldly and earthly possessions are of no benefit in the afterlife. Those who have suffered on Earth will receive their reward in Heaven.

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The Church

Diversity of Christianity

The Christian Church is split into a number of different denominations. They include th Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Church in Wales, Non-conformist churches and chapels

Denominations can be thought of as different branches of Christianity.

Catholic Church

The Catholic Church is led by the Pope, with around half of all Christians belonging to this denomination. Catholics believe that the Pope has a unique authority which has come directly from Jesus. Catholics tend to hold on to more traditional views, eg the Catholic leaders, known as priests, can only be male and are forbidden from marrying.

Anglican Church

The Anglican Church is run by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Unlike Catholics, the Anglican Church does not believe the Pope has any authority. The Anglican Church is made up of concepts developed by the Church of England. The Anglican Church allows more freedom than the Catholic Church and the leaders, known as vicars, can be male or female. They are also allowed to marry.

The Church in Wales

The Church in Wales is the name given to the Anglican Church in Wales. It has the same beliefs, teachings and practices as all Anglican churches, and is led by the Archbishop of Wales.

Non-conformist churches and chapels

The Methodist Church is traditionally known as non-conformist because it does not conform to the rules and authority of the established Church of England. Non-conformist churches were established in the 17th and 18th centuries, when Welsh Anglicans felt unhappy about the lack of Welsh bishops and ministers. Both men and women can be ministers and they are allowed to marry.

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Role of the local church

The main function of a local church or chapel is a place for people to go to worship. This includes people attending church services, or visiting the church for private prayer.

There are also many other religious functions which take place in a church, such as rites of passage ceremonies. Rites of passages include, baptisms, marriages and funerals. Many Bible study groups for both children and adults, such as Sunday school, can also take place in local churches and chapels.

Social and community function of churches

Christians believe that it is part of their duty to act in a moral way and this involves helping others around them. The Church can play a vital role in Christians helping others as they provide food banks, a place where people living in poverty can go and collect some food. The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination who help those who are suffering. Help for the homeless is a Housing Justice is a Christian charity who try to ensure everyone has a home

There are also many non-religious functions that can take place in a church building, eg crèche facilities, youth groups, community meeting places (eg keep fit classes), charity events and coffee mornings.

Jesus taught the importance of helping others who are less fortunate, and this is why the Church has these extra functions.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me Matthew 25:35-36

Question Describe the main functions of the church.

A The Christian Church has many different functions. The main function of a local church is a place for Christians to worship. This can include individual worship and collective worship, such as a church service on a Sunday morning. As well as a place to worship, the church serves many other purposes, such as holding a Sunday school for children where they can learn about Jesus’ teachings, food banks for those who are living in poverty, concerts, fêtes and even crèche facilities.

Features of churches

Churches and chapels have many different internal features, which are designed to help people worship. The features and layout of different denominations can differ somewhat.

Catholic churches

Catholic churches are traditionally built in the shape of a cross with the top of the cross facing Jerusalem. The east end of the church is called the sanctuary and contains:

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• the altar – a table where the bread and wine are blessed during the Eucharist

• the lectern – a stand where the Bible is read from

• the pulpit – where the priest delivers sermons

• a crucifix – a cross with Jesus on There is a rail which acts to separate the sanctuary from the place where the congregations sits, known as the nave. In the nave there are often rows of pews where the congregation sit in rows on benches.

Around the church there are 14 framed pictures, known as the Stations of the Cross, which show the events of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Other features that can be found in the Catholic Church include:

• a font – a large stone bowl containing holy water used to baptise babies

• a stoup – usually a small basin containing holy water, which Catholics dip their hand in to make the sign of the cross to renew their baptism promises

• statues of religious figures, eg Christ, Mary or saints

• stained glass windows – often depicting biblical stories or religious teachings

• candles – often lit by Catholics when they are praying

• a confessional – a small enclosed cupboard or cabinet, where Catholics can confess their sins to the priest

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Anglican churches

The inside of Anglican churches can be similar in appearance to Catholic churches. Anglican churches are also often in the shape of a cross, with a sanctuary at the east end. Anglican churches are often a lot plainer than Catholic churches, and have fewer statues and candles. An Anglican church will usually have a simple cross displayed rather than a crucifix. Although there may be a font, there won't be a stoup containing holy water

Features of chapels

Non-conformist chapels are much simpler buildings than churches.

Outside, they tend not to have spires on the roofs. Inside, they may have a balcony between the floor and the ceiling to allow more room for the congregation to sit.

The internal layout of the chapel serves the main purpose of hearing God's word and singing his praises. At one end is the pulpit or lectern, from where the minister will read the Bible. In front of the pulpit will be a small table used for Holy Communion.

The organ is an important part of every chapel. It is used to accompany hymn singing.

There is also the baptistery pool in Baptist chapels. The baptistery is situated in front of the pews with a door covering it. This is where adults are baptised.

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Importance of prayer

Worship is an essential part of a Christian's faith. Christians worship God to thank him for his love, ask for forgiveness for their sins and try to understand his 'will' for them.

Prayer and meditation

Christians describe prayer as a conversation with God. Prayer can be silent or said out loud. It can use set words, or a person's own words. In prayer, Christians lift their minds and hearts to God.

There are many different kinds of prayer, including:

• adoration - praising God for his greatness and admitting dependence on him

• confession - owning up to sin and asking for God's mercy and forgiveness

• thanksgiving - thanking God for his many blessings, eg health or children

• petition - asking God for something, eg healing, courage or wisdom

• intercession - asking God to help others who need it, eg the sick, poor, those suffering in war Nature and importance of prayer

Most Christians believe prayer deepens a person's faith. Praying can help the believer come to a greater understanding of God's purpose for their lives. Christians interpret the response they might get to their prayers in the following ways:

• God answers prayers, but not always in the way the person wants. When a prayer is not answered, it may be that the person asked for something God thinks would not be good for them, or that their prayer will be answered later.

• Sometimes Christians think that God has answered their prayers in quite spectacular ways, eg the recovery of a sick person. They may see this as a miracle.

• For some Christians, meditation or contemplation is a way of trying to reach a higher spiritual level.

• Others, especially Orthodox Christians, use the 'Jesus Prayer', Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. They may chant this prayer over and over to clear their minds and achieve inner peace. Other Christians, especially Catholics, use a rosary to meditate on the life of Jesus.

Candles, a crucifix or a cross can all help Christians to focus on meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to enter their hearts.

Private prayer

Private prayer means to pray alone. This is considered very important to Christians, as it is a time when they can personally connect with God.

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Private worship gives Christians a chance to spend time alone with God. Prayer, meditation, Bible study and singing hymns may all be done at home. Christians can unite themselves with the Church of God as they pray while not actually going to a physical church. Some Christians belong to the 'house church' movement and meet for worship in each other's homes.

Most Christians use the Bible in private worship. They may read it all over a number of years, or they may reflect on specific parts of it. Some use a study guide to learn how scholars interpret the Bible. Others may read the psalms as they pray.

Symbolism in worship at home

Christians use different symbolic objects to help them pray. A cross or crucifix reminds them of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection.

Some will light a candle to create the right atmosphere to feel the presence of God.

Catholics may use a rosary, a string of beads which helps them count their prayers as they meditate on the life of Jesus and call on Mary to offer their prayers to God; they call this intercession.

Some prayers are prayers that are said without prepared words. An example of this might be after someone has heard some bad news, they will say a prayer for those who are involved. Some Christians believe this type of prayer to be more heartfelt as they are not ‘arranged’.

Communal prayer

Communal prayer means to pray with others. This can take place during church services, or it could be a structured meeting of Christians who have arranged to pray together. This type of prayer can help Christians connect with each other as well as God and help to strengthen the Christian community.

Set prayers

Set prayers are prayers that are well-known, such as the Lord’s Prayer, which most Christians will know by heart. These prayers often have significant meaning and importance for Christians and are helpful for communal prayer and collective worship. The Lord’s Prayer is recited in most Christian services and is a prayer which Jesus used to help teach his followers to pray.

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6: 5-13) is the most important Christian prayer. Apart from the last sentence, it consists of the words Jesus gave directly to his followers.

Public worship helps Christians to achieve a deeper understanding of the Bible, the life of Jesus and Christian teachings. It also enables those who receive Holy Communion to welcome Jesus into their hearts.

Diversity of worship practices

Different Christian denominations worship in different ways:

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• Anglicans, Catholics and Orthodox Christians have a set form of worship. It is a formal ritual based around the sacraments, particularly Holy Communion. This type of worship is called liturgical worship.

• Other Christian churches practise non-liturgical worship, eg Baptists and Quakers. This kind of worship has no set form and often does not involve Holy Communion. It is usually centred on Bible readings, a sermon, music and prayers. It can be structured or unstructured and spontaneous. Whatever style of worship is used, most Christians believe it is important to come together to share acts of devotion and honour to God.

Anglican and Church in Wales worship

Public worship focuses on praising God through preaching, Bible reading, prayer and music, especially in the Holy Communion service where people receive the bread and wine. Because this is liturgical worship, the words and actions to be followed are set out in the Book of Common Prayer. There are also services of morning and evening prayer.

Features of worship

• The altar or Communion Table is the main focus and is where the Holy Communion service takes place. This is because Jesus' death is considered a sacrifice. There is also a pulpit where the sermon is preached and a lectern where the Bible is placed for reading aloud to the people.

• There may be choir stalls and an organ to accompany hymn singing. Candles and a cross remind people of the death of Jesus and his resurrection. Many churches have stained glass windows that tell stories in pictures from the Bible.

• Some Anglican services are very formal and similar to the Catholic Mass, but others are very simple and informal.

• The priest leads the Holy Communion part of the service in most churches but in some a lay reader conducts them. At various points, people go to the altar to receive bread and wine, which represents the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

• The congregation follows the service in the prayer book and responds to the prayers. Readings and some prayers usually change every week but others stay the same. Readings from the Bible are followed by a sermon that explains their meaning for people today. The service usually ends with an opportunity for quiet reflection.

Catholic worship

Catholics are expected to attend Mass each week as an offering of themselves to God. The Mass recalls the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples before his death when he gave them bread and wine and told them to do this in remembrance of him (1 Corinthians 11:24).

Besides a memorial of past events it is also a sacrifice, as Catholics believe that during the Mass the sacrifice of Jesus is re-presented and re-enacted.

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The Mass has two main parts:

• the liturgy of the Word (focused on the Bible)

• the liturgy of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) In the first part, people express sorrow for sins, listen to Bible readings, hear a sermon, recite creeds and offer prayers for the Church and the world.

In the second part, bread and wine are offered to God, consecrated, and received by the congregation. An important prayer said during this part is the Lord's Prayer, also called the 'Our Father', which was taught by Jesus himself.

Features of worship

• Hymns are sung throughout the service and the people respond to the prayers by following the missal.

• A priest leads the service, but lay people, including children, serve on the altar and read some of the readings and prayers.

• Some Masses, particularly for young people, include multimedia, modern music and dance. More traditional services may use Latin and Greek for some of the prayers and have traditional hymns accompanied by an organ and choir.

• Catholic churches have a crucifix on the altar and candles that are lit during Mass. One candle, the sanctuary lamp, is always lit as a sign that Jesus is present in the bread that remains in the tabernacle between Masses.

• Churches often have statues of Mary and some saints. Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints, but ask them to pray to God on their behalf. This is known as intercession. Other services may include penitential services, saying the Divine Office together, and ecumenical services with other Christians.

Catholics may also gather to say the rosary together. This consists of the following prayers: an 'Our Father', ten 'Hail Marys' and a ‘Glory Be to the Father' repeated five times.

Baptist worship

Baptists believe that when they worship through praise and prayer they are offering themselves to God in thanks for his love. God and his people speak with each other through worship. It is seen as a dialogue and worship is non-liturgical. It is much less structured than Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Christian services.

There is no Baptist authority that tells people how to worship. All decisions are made by the members of each local Baptist church.

Although they have ordained ministers, Baptists believe in the Priesthood of Believers, which means that every member has a right to interpret the Bible and minister to other people. The ordained minister is an equal member of the community who carries out the responsibilities given by the congregation. The minister or a lay person may lead a Baptist service.

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Features of worship

• Worship centres on the Bible - reading the Bible, hearing preaching on it or discussing it.

• Most churches include hymns or worship songs in the service.

• The Lord's Supper is usually celebrated once a month.

• Some churches have a special part for children to become involved. Drama, dance or multimedia may be used to bring the message of a Bible passage to life.

• The Baptist Union of Great Britain has published a book, Gathering for Worship, that gives guidance and prayers that can be used by local churches. Baptists see Church worship as an opportunity to speak about the gospel to those present that have not yet made a full commitment to faith in Jesus.

Church in Action

Case study One – The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a Protestant denomination of the Christian Church, with over 1.6 million members in 109 countries. The Salvation Army is known for its work with people who have fallen on hard times. It offers help to the elderly, the young, offenders, drug addicts, blind and disabled people. It also provides food and shelter for the homeless and operates food distribution centres.

The Army's social work is a religious activity, but they help Christians and non- Christians alike.

The charitable work done by the Salvation Army is based on the teachings of Jesus found in the Bible, and they do all they can to help others. Members of the Salvation Army believe that everyone has a right to the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, shelter, health care, just wages and benefits.

Forget Me Not Café, Wrexham

The Salvation Army church in Wrexham, north Wales has set up a café specially designed to help people suffering from dementia, their families and carers. It is run on a monthly basis and is known as the Forget Me Not café. The Salvation Army asks members of the community to donate pieces of memorabilia that those suffering with dementia are likely to connect with, eg books, old newspaper clippings, old photographs

The Bus Project, Cardiff

The Salvation Army helps those sleeping rough on Cardiff's streets through a service known as the Bus Project. It is a mobile service that tries to prevent people from having to sleep on the streets. Every Monday to Friday, the Salvation Army parks a bus outside the National Museum of Wales in the centre of Cardiff and provides support services to around 30 people every night.

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Case study two – Shelter Cymru

Shelter Cymru is a Welsh charity that aims to help people who are struggling to find somewhere to live. Its main aim is to ensure that everyone in Wales has a stable, healthy environment to live in. They work with people all over Wales to make sure everyone is able to live in a decent and secure home.

Young Money, Swansea

Young Money is a Shelter Cymru project based in Swansea Bay. It's a free service that helps young people aged 16-24 with their budgeting skills, eg:

• how to save and plan for the future

• tips for everyday budgeting and finances

• advice on how to borrow money and the consequences of missing payments

• debt advice

• explaining credit ratings and how to improve them

Case study Three – food bank in Wales

Llanfihangel Rhos-y-Corn

The Church in Wales church at Llanfihangel Rhos-y-Corn in Carmarthenshire is an example of a local church in Wales that has set up its own food bank. They ask members of the community to donate essential items, eg tinned food, fruit, vegetables, tea and coffee, toilet paper, cleaning products, toiletries, such as soap and shampoo.

Social justice

The term social justice means promoting a fair society by challenging injustice and valuing diversity. It also ensures that everyone has the same access to equal opportunities and rights.

Unfortunately, there are many people in the world who do not have social justice and do not have their basic needs and rights met. Christian churches are supportive of the fight against social injustice.

There are many Christian charities and groups that fight hard to make the world a fairer place for everyone.

Groups working for social justice

Tearfund

Tearfund is a Christian charity that aims to help the poor. They base their work on Christian beliefs and teachings, such as love thy neighbour. They carry out their work through local churches and help to:

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• raise awareness of social issues

• campaign against poverty

• encourage self-help

• provide emergency aid when natural disasters happen

• spread the word of Jesus to be compassionate and help others The ecumenical movement

The ecumenical movement means relating to a number of different Christian churches. It attempts to unite and bring the different Christian denominations closer together. Founded in 1910, it has worked to increase the extent to which Christian denominations work together. It is based on the important Christian teaching of reconciliation, which is the idea that people should make up after an argument and be restored in their relationship.

The World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches aims to bring the different Christian denominations together. It tries to unite people who share the same faith, regardless of their denomination. Some of the work that the World Council of Churches does is to bring churches together following tragedies, and to help respond to world problems, such as helping with the arrival of asylum seekers.

Interfaith Wales

Interfaith Wales was set up in an attempt to promote better respect and understanding between religious communities and has different representatives from all the major world religions following the terror attacks of 9/11. The 9/11 terror attacks were carried out by the terrorist group al-Qaeda on 11 September 2001. The attacks involved three planes being hijacked and purposely crashed into the two towers of the World Trade Centers in New York and the Pentagon building in Arlington County, Virginia. A fourth plane was also hijacked, but crashed into a field in Pennsylvania when the passengers tried in vain to overcome the hijackers. In total, 2,996 people were killed in the attacks.

The main aims of Interfaith Wales are to:

• increase knowledge and understanding of the different beliefs and practices of the different faith communities in Wales

• promote good relationships between people of different faiths

• promote awareness of the different features of the faith communities An example of the work done by Interfaith Wales is the organisation of interfaith week which takes place every year to help raise awareness of different faiths.

Interfaith Wales organised ‘Youth and the Rising Generation’, which was held at a synagogue in Cardiff, with members from different faiths attending.

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Christian Muslim Forum

The main aims of the Christian Muslim Forum are to:

• create an honest and open relationship between Christians and Muslims and create a shared platform where both Christians and Muslims can work together, as well as with the wider community, to provide help for the common good

• help Christians and Muslims learn how best to respond to incidents or events that can often test the relationship between both faiths, eg how to react following a terror attack Council of Christians and Jews

The Council of Christians and Jews, also known as CCJ, was founded in 1942. It is a forum that encourages Christians and Jews to get together in order to understand more about each other's religions. The aim is that people will learn about the rich history and traditions of both religions, yet value the differences at the same time. It is hoped that the forum will promote respect between both religions, as well as provide opportunities for people to question and challenge certain prejudices.

Question: Describe the support and services the Church can provide.

A The Christian Church provides support to many different people, as well as being a place that people can go to for worship. This support includes holding food banks at the church, so that families and individuals who are living in poverty can remain healthy by collecting food free of charge. The Church also supports many different charities such as Christian Aid and Tearfund, by holding coffee mornings and fêtes to raise money. It also provides services such as the Christian Muslim Forum and Interfaith Wales to attempt to develop a closer relationship and understanding between religions.

Christian persecution today

Christian persecution refers to persistently cruel treatment, often due to religion or belief. Jesus told Christians to spread the word of Christianity and acknowledged that this may put them in danger.

And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

There are still some circumstances in the 21st century, where Christians are persecuted because of their beliefs. One example is so-called Islamic State forcing Christians out of their homes and bombing churches. Christian Freedom International and Open Doors are examples of organisations in the UK who help persecuted Christians. Their work in helping these Christians has involved:

• training Christians to support them through the trauma they may have suffered

• providing advice and support to Christians who have been victims of disaster

• speaking on behalf of Christians to help raise awareness of the situation they are in

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