Print
this page
Email
this page Newsletters - The Burden of Care
Editorial
For Christians, the title "Burden of Care" may seem odd. Care for others is surely a Christian duty and Jesus promised that those who cared for the prisoner, the disadvantaged and those in need would be blessed - they are doing His work. Several of the articles reflect this, telling of joy in caring, of managing to cope with numerous additional family members orphaned through AIDS, of parents coping with a disabled child, of children coping with younger siblings. In countries such as Papua New Guinea and many parts of Africa, the extended family and local community frequently help to shoulder care burdens. But even here, the spread of urbanisation is weakening this culture of extended family and village support. Throughout the Anglican Communion, more help is needed for families as the ravages of AIDS creates an ever-increasing number of orphans, as more handicapped children survive, as more people grow older. While the family, and particularly women, remain a primary focus of care giving, the culture of care needs to spread more widely into the surrounding community - in cities as well as rural areas. The Church, an intergenerational community with a culture of care, is ideally placed. Many of the articles tell of projects linked with churches which work to help those in need of care and their families and of people who gain fulfilment in so doing: Kingsdene special school in Australia, Salvation Army work in Zambia, Mothers' Union work in Rwanda, projects to help young carers in the UK. Some of the articles from Africa rightly remind us of the importance of prayer. But these projects also need resources and hard work to help shoulder the burden of care and obey the command of Our Lord to serve those who are afflicted.
Reading of the courage and cheerfulness shown by families and individuals bearing seemingly impossible burdens is both humbling and an inspiration. Perhaps it will help us all reflect on what some people do for others and encourage us in our own Christian pilgrimage.
Top
