Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

The gift of organ donation 

For the first time ever a UK Cathedral has been wrapped in a giant red ribbon to highlight National Transplant Week and the fleshandblood campaign.


Carlisle CathedralCarlisle Cathedral agreed to host the ribbon on its exterior to lend its support to the campaign and highlight the need for more organ donors.

The ribbon itself, which measures 200 metres long and is 2.5 metres high, took four hours to install by a team of seven people. It also included a giant bow positioned in front of the historic East Window.

The stunt was designed to profile the fleshandblood campaign, the first partnership of its kind between the NHS and UK churches.

This unique initiative aims to encourage church congregations to see blood and organ donation as a part of their regular giving as around three people die each day in need of an organ transplant.

It also seeks to equip people as advocates for blood and organ donation, enabling them to raise awareness of the need for donors with their family, friends and community, potentially helping to save thousands of lives each year.

As part of the morning’s photo stunt the Cathedral also hosted a key presentation which focused on the purpose of the campaign and the urgent need for blood and organ donors in the UK.

Anthony Clarkson, NHS Assistant director in organ donation was one of a number of speakers at the event. He commented, 'We want to create a revolution in consent”, describing the creation of a culture where it is the norm to discuss and consider organ donation. The campaign is as much about generating conversations and general awareness as it is about recruiting donors. He also spoke movingly about the difference that organ donation makes to individuals and their families who receive them.

Phil Jump, Regional Minister for the North Western Baptist Association, was present to support the event. Reflecting on the need to discuss this more openly, he commented, 'At the heart of our Christian worship are the words of Jesus – this is my body given for you.

'As those called to follow Christ’s example it seems natural to consider how we can offer our bodies for the wellbeing of others. Surely the Church should be taking a lead in developing these kind of conversations – there is an obvious pastoral dimension to them, which further reinforces the importance of the Christian community taking the initiative.'

The campaign has the support of Baroness Warsi, Minister for Faith & Communities, who said, 'Faith groups can make a difference in their communities by working together for the common good and tackling shared social problems and this campaign is an ideal opportunity for them to do just that. 

'It is therefore my hope that through the fleshandblood campaign, faith groups are able to donate and encourage wider support from within and around their communities.'


More information about the fleshandblood campaign, along with various reflection and discussion resources can be found at www.fleshandblood.org

Baptist Times, 10/07/2014
    Post     Tweet
‘We can choose to tell a new story – one of gracious growth’
​General Secretary Lynn Green urged Baptists to embrace a story of hope and renewal rather than decline in her closing address at the Baptist Assembly
'God's Baptist people are in good heart' - Steve Finamore's reflections
Outgoing Baptists Together President Steve Finamore shared encouraging signs of church growth and renewed hope across Baptist networks
More than 60 ministers and pastors commissioned at Baptist Assembly
Ministers who have transferred to the fully accredited list, nationally recognised pastors and recognised local ministers were commissioned and prayed, in a session which also featured the In Memoriam
Mission Resolution introduced at Assembly
Designed to build a shared understanding of mission across Baptists Together, this marks the beginning of a two-year process of discernment, dialogue, and engagement, with the goal of the resolution being adopted at the 2027 Baptist Assembly
'We thank God for all the ways that he is graciously at work in and through us'
General Secretary Lynn Green celebrated the power of collaboration across Baptists Together in sharing three highlights from the past year
'Every fellowship is a disciple making environment'
A mission conference led by BMS World Mission formed the first 24 hours of the Baptist Assembly weekend
     Latest News 
    Posted: 21/05/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast