Largest Christian relief alliance launched in India

India alongside other 60 countries took part in the launch of one of world's largest relief and development alliances.

Church-related and Church-based aid agencies yesterday, March 24, convened for the 'Global Launch' of ACT Alliance, a body of churches and related organizations that work together in humanitarian assistance and development.

The alliance works in 125 countries and mobilizes US$1.5 billion annually in its work for a 'just' world. Composed of more than 100 organisations, ACT Alliance employs around 30,000 staff and volunteers for effective humanitarian, development and advocacy work.

Members of ACT Alliance in India, such as Christian Aid, Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Church of North India Synodical Board of Social Services, Lutheran World Relief and Norwegian Church Aid, made their presence felt at the New Delhi event which was officially launched by Mohammad Shafi Qureshi, Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities.

A public symposium on the policies of inclusion as well was held in the presence of eminent panelists and church activists.

ACT Alliance General Secretary John Nduna says the creation of the alliance means ACT's humanitarian and development work will reach every corner of the globe.

"The membership of the ACT Alliance is wide. ACT members are grounded in local civil society of all parts of the world. Almost wherever we have churches, we have ACT," he said. "We are big and we make an impact on the lives of the poorest in societies around the world."

The Moderator of ACT Alliance, Dr. Sushant Agrawal, says the body can be very effective in the unity of church agencies and mobilizing of aid resources.

"ACT can play a very significant role in addressing the paramount needs of aid groups. In India alone, there are 29 members or supporting bodies among the 110 global members. ACT can be a platform to bring them all under one roof," Agrawal, who is also the Director of CASA, told Christian Today.

"ACT will finalize the agenda for member organizations, it will train them and also help them in distributing of funds and aid materials during disasters and public health emergencies," he added.

ACT Alliance was born on 1 January 2010 by merging together two existing global alliances - ACT International and ACT Development, two Geneva-based coordinating offices.

ACT Alliance has extensively supported the relief and rehabilitation work of the recent past, including the Gujarat earthquake, Tsunami, Kashmir earthquake, Kosi Floods, and the most recent Andhra and Karnataka floods in India.

Besides, ACT has supported its member organizations to counter HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Kalazar, Lymphatic Filariasis and other health problems.