����ý

There are approximately 2.4 billion Christians living in countries around the world. Some countries, such as China, are seeing an increasing number of people following Christianity.

Christianity is represented in a global capacity in various ways. For example, the Catholic Church is a member of the United Nations as it is based in Vatican City, an independent state. There is also the World Council of Churches, a worldwide inter-Church organisation founded in 1948. Organisations such as these provide a means for Christianity to be represented on an international level and try to bring people together.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the process of bringing together people who are opposed to one another. In Christianity, it is associated with Jesus reconciling humanity with God through his death. Reconciliation is also linked to forgiveness, as it may be necessary to show forgiveness in order to resolve a disagreement. Similarly, Christians believe that God shows forgiveness to those who have sinned, if they are willing to demonstrate forgiveness to others.

Reconciliation is an important aim of organisations such as the World Council of Churches. Church leaders aim to help countries or groups that disagree to sort out their difficulties and live together peacefully.

Charity

Looking after and giving to others, in the form of charity, is an important part of Christianity, as Christians believe that God gave humans stewardship. This means humans are responsible for looking after and protecting those in need. As all humans are equal in the eyes of God, anyone in need is deserving of help.

Saint Paul taught that love is the greatest spiritual gift of all. Many Christians take this to mean that they should strive to show love towards others. Saint Paul stated that:

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers a sermon known as the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. In this, Jesus uses the idea of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. This represents the idea of God separating people on the Day of Judgement. The sheep are the people who have shown love to others and faith in God, and who have done this without expecting a reward. The goats are the people who have acted selfishly and only fulfilled religious obligations to appear good, and who have not demonstrated love to the people most in need.

Christian Aid

There are many Christian organisations and charities that aim to help people in need. One that works on a global level is Christian Aid. Christian Aid helps people across the world, sometimes those in need as a result of wars or natural disasters.

Persecution

As with many religions, there are some parts of the world where Christians are persecuted, meaning they are not able to practice their religion freely and safely.

Organisations such as the World Council of Churches try to work towards peace. They also aim to support people who are being persecuted.