In the beginning…
The Week of Compassion emerged in the early 1940s, as World War II created a series of humanitarian crises around the globe. The International Convention (General Assembly) of the Christian Church made two recommendations regarding multiple aid and relief projects around the world. These recommendations outlined partnerships with multiple ecumenical ministries and counterparts. The Church designated a “Day of Compassion,” on which congregations would hold a special offering to raise funds to support these mission projects.
In 1943, the “Wartime Service Fund” was approved by the International Convention. At this point, the Disciples of Christ designated a “Week of Compassion” to raise $250,000 for ongoing support of these relief efforts.
In the meantime…
Over the next several decades, the work of Week of Compassion and its partners expanded to include not just humanitarian aid, but also disaster response and refugee resettlement. The ministry’s leadership evolved as well, from a voluntary office to a full-time executive director; additional staff helped expand the reach of the ministry; and the annual fund grew over time from thousands of dollars to millions.
Into the Future
When our ministry began, the idea of different denominations partnering together--in spite of differences in doctrine or practice-- was a radical notion. In many ways, it is still countercultural to work together across many kinds of boundaries. And yet, we remain committed to the partnerships that make our mission stronger, and that allow us to reach those in need with the love of Christ.
In 2024, Week of Compassion will celebrate 80 years of ministry. We are proud of our history, but also recognize that there is so much work yet to be done. The need to collaborate and address the world’s increasingly complex humanitarian issues - while maintaining unity as a guiding principle - is more critical than ever. Your generosity enables us to faithfully respond to human need around the world; empower communities to build and rebuild; and partner with other church organizations as the Body of Christ. Around the year and around the world, Week of Compassion remains committed to sustaining this faithful presence well into the future.
The Week of Compassion emerged in the early 1940s, as World War II created a series of humanitarian crises around the globe. The International Convention (General Assembly) of the Christian Church made two recommendations regarding multiple aid and relief projects around the world. These recommendations outlined partnerships with multiple ecumenical ministries and counterparts. The Church designated a “Day of Compassion,” on which congregations would hold a special offering to raise funds to support these mission projects.
In 1943, the “Wartime Service Fund” was approved by the International Convention. At this point, the Disciples of Christ designated a “Week of Compassion” to raise $250,000 for ongoing support of these relief efforts.
In the meantime…
Over the next several decades, the work of Week of Compassion and its partners expanded to include not just humanitarian aid, but also disaster response and refugee resettlement. The ministry’s leadership evolved as well, from a voluntary office to a full-time executive director; additional staff helped expand the reach of the ministry; and the annual fund grew over time from thousands of dollars to millions.
Into the Future
When our ministry began, the idea of different denominations partnering together--in spite of differences in doctrine or practice-- was a radical notion. In many ways, it is still countercultural to work together across many kinds of boundaries. And yet, we remain committed to the partnerships that make our mission stronger, and that allow us to reach those in need with the love of Christ.
In 2024, Week of Compassion will celebrate 80 years of ministry. We are proud of our history, but also recognize that there is so much work yet to be done. The need to collaborate and address the world’s increasingly complex humanitarian issues - while maintaining unity as a guiding principle - is more critical than ever. Your generosity enables us to faithfully respond to human need around the world; empower communities to build and rebuild; and partner with other church organizations as the Body of Christ. Around the year and around the world, Week of Compassion remains committed to sustaining this faithful presence well into the future.
