Campaigning for change: The 1980s

Pope John Paul II [CAFOD]

1980

CAFOD's first National Education Campaign was launched.

It took place during Lent and was focused on Brazil.

1981

The first edition of Link, the development education newsletter was published.

In the light of twenty years of development work, the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales drew up new guidelines for the running of CAFOD. These are still in use.

During Pope John Paul II's visit to Britain, he encouraged Catholics to support CAFOD's development programmes.

"I hope that, despite all obstacles, the generosity of your hearts will never weaken. I hope that through programmes such as the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development, you will continue to help the poor, to feed the hungry and to contribute to the cause of development. Always keep alive your gospel tradition."

(Pope John Paul II, Liverpool, 1982)

1982

On its 20th birthday CAFOD had 20 staff, 250 projects and partners in 60 countries. New, bigger premises were found in Garden Close, Brixton.

1983

A joint service of dedication for the new directors of CAFOD and Christian Aid was conducted by Cardinal Basil Hume and Archbishop Robert Runcie.

The first edition of Friday, a newsletter for CAFOD Parish groups was published.

1984

Working in Partnership was launched, linking groups in schools and parishes here with countries abroad where CAFOD supports development programmes.

Whole schools and parishes were now learning about different countries and raising the money to help people there.

The Crisis in Africa appeal was launched in response to the drought and famine situation in Africa.

Launch of the Just Food education campaign

1985

The African famine assumed crisis proportions. CAFOD became the co-ordinator for the European Catholic agencies working in the Sudan and Northern provinces of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile in England and Wales CAFOD responded to people's requests to know more about why it had happened.

The Catholic community raised £4.75 million for the emergency (and kept everyone at Head Office very busy indeed!).

Voluntary help working on the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal freed staff to continue with routine work.

1986

Preparations got underway for CAFOD's Silver Jubilee. Celebrations were planned for everyone who works with CAFOD, and five more Regional Organisers, making six altogether, set up offices to cover the whole of England and Wales.

The new two-year education campaign focused on Jubilee themes of Land, Debt and Slavery.

1987

CAFOD's 25th Anniversary. A public celebration of 25 years of partnership between the local church in England and Wales and our brothers and sisters in the 75 countries where CAFOD was now supporting more than 500 development projects.

1988

In January CAFOD persuaded the local council to change the name of the street from Garden to Romero Close in honour of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, world famous defender of the rights of the poor, who was shot dead while celebrating Mass in 1980.

1989

CAFOD launched its campaign Renewing the Earth, focusing on the links between the Environment and Development.

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