Take Action: Churches

A large proportion of the orphanages in the world today are run and supported by well-meaning churches and their congregations. Churches are often the strongest champions of family life, yet the defining element of the orphanage system is that it actively separates children from families. Supporting orphanages that seek to keep children in residential care on a long-term basis denies children their right to a family life, and the multiple physical and psychological benefits of a stable life in a loving family.

We seek to work in partnership with churches to change this practice.

Calling on churches leaders

We call on all church leaders to ensure that all social welfare initiatives supported by their churches are guided by the principles of human and child rights, and that all efforts in supporting children should be put towards keeping children in families.

Calling on all members of congregations

We call on all members of church congregations to enquire about the policies and practices of their church and to ensure no child is being denied their right to live in a family. All support for orphanages should rather be put towards positive solutions that give children the one thing they need and want most - a loving family.

Study materials

Best-practices in childcare and of the rights of children worldwide can be found in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.

Of particular relevance to churches is From Faith to Action: Strengthening Family and Community Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is a resource for faith-based groups and donors seeking to help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Please support the REPLACE Campaign. Our objective is to get all children who are in orphanages placed into loving families and to prevent those who are at risk, from going into orphanages.