Transformation, the Fourth Mark of Mission in the Anglican Communion, is the foundation for the 2025 ABM-AID Lent Appeal. Specifically, to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation, and to do this to the benefit of women.

There are about 43 million women in the world-wide Communion with a vast diversity of experience and gifts. Demonstrating the potential for transformation, ABM-AID tells their stories, shares their experience and celebrates their achievements. This Lent, they invite us to support women across the world, as they strive to overcome gender-based violence and inequality. Together we can transform lives through ABM-AID’s Lent Appeal 2025.

In Zambia, the Anglican Church is leading efforts to end violence against women. Their local Gender Committees and Gender Action Groups empower communities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. And it’s not just women, with village headmen and pastors joining the movement, creating safer, more supportive communities. Stephen, a village teacher, shares, “There is now peace in homes where women were once beaten by their husbands.” 

In Papua New Guinea — ranked second lowest on the UN’s Gender Equality Index — the Anglican Church’s Adult Literacy Program provides women with essential economic empowerment skills. Anastasia, a student, says, “This school is building my confidence again. I want to finish formal education and start a poultry project to improve my living standards.”

In Vanuatu, Gracetella Smith, the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Literacy Program Coordinator, emphasises that improved literacy enables even those without formal schooling to become community leaders.

In Kenya, simple interventions make a big difference for women facing poverty and gender-based violence. New water structures, built by Anglican Development Services Eastern, reduce the time women spend fetching water. Martha from Kyua says, “It only takes a short time now to get water. We are very happy.” Women like Sabina can now grow vegetables and support their families year-round .

In the Philippines, women are flourishing through livelihood programs focused on sustainability. After receiving seeds and natural fertilizers, Marietta increased her income and learnt the importance of stewardship. As Marietta says, “Even the smallest things God has given us can be developed and sustained.”

Also in the Philippines, women like Lyn, Ofelia, and Rosalinda, members of the Songcolan Seashore Livelihood Association, work with E-CARE. By planting ‘bakhaw’, a local mangrove tree, they protect and re-invigorate their local environment, benefiting their community.

We can help end violence and inequality, empower more women with education, environmental awareness, and livelihood opportunities, and restore dignity to vulnerable communities by supporting ABM-AID in making the Fourth Mark of Mission a reality. By donating to ABM-AID’s Lent Appeal 2025, we can transform unjust structures and challenge violence with peace and reconciliation.

Can we raise at least $1,000 for the ABM-AID Lent Appeal?

Donations are tax deductible. ABM-AID envelopes are available at the Outreach Board in the Narthex. Please place your donation in one of these (or your own clearly marked) envelope and give it with your offering, place it in the Donations Box, give it to a cathedral warden, or to the Cathedral Office Monday-Friday. If you wish to receive a receipt, please write your name and address clearly on the reverse of the envelope. Using electronic banking, make a bank transfer to BSB 034 003 Account No:385378;  please narrate your deposit “Outreach 03” and also email outreach@stjohnscathedral.com.au to inform us of your deposit (include the amount), and to provide your postal details for the receipt. For other forms of payment, please phone the cathedral office [(07) 3835 2222] during normal business hours Monday-Friday. Cheques should be made payable to ABM Lenten Appeal. The ABM-AID will provide receipts after they receive our total donation in April. Thank you.