|
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Great news: our Charity is changing - changing for the better and moving forward with confidence, still doing the same work, still determined to develop its services to meet the needs of more people ...but under a new name with a fresh image (coming soon!).
It is a good idea for organisations to refresh their image from time to time - we'll be celebrating 75 successful years this year so now is the perfect time.
There are other particular reasons for changing. Some will be more aware than others of the recent struggle the Charity has been going through. Since its birth the Charity has enjoyed a particularly close relationship with the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Lancaster. But our commitment to those we work for has caused disagreement with Bishop O'Donoghue, specifically over our need to work within the law of the land.
The Bishop implored the Trustees to challenge the law which requires us to consider people in same sex relationships as possible adopters for children. From their lengthy discernment and widespread advice the Trustees determined that such action could not succeed and would most likely bring about the collapse of the whole Charity.
There are too many vulnerable children and adults, committed volunteers, and staff and families dependent upon the Charity to contemplate closure. So the Trustees have resolved that this charity will continue, confidently compliant with the Equality Act and determined that no child will ever be placed with a parent, through our involvement, who is not suitable to provide for his or her spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
...but there are consequences: we can no longer include the term 'Catholic' in our title so the Charity has adopted the name Caritas Care. Though we have lost 'Catholic' from our title, we remain Catholic in our heart, mission and tradition, committed to delivering and developing all of our services and to sustaining our influence over others who work with vulnerable children and adults.
So the work continues, with a fresh name, a fresh image and a determination to expand the scale and range of services. Thank you to all you who continue to support our work.
J P Cullen
Chief Executive
|
