Cord was founded in 1967 in response to the news that thousands of orphans were being left homeless as a result of the Vietnam War. The organisation’s founders, Pat and Marion Ashe, alongside a congregation of St Mary’s church in Leamington Spa, wanted to see lives saved and transformed in this situation so far removed from the United Kingdom. In this way Cord began as a personal expression of both love and faith. Working on the ground and taking a personal stance, Pat and Marion Ashe approached the situation with a commitment to helping transform one life at a time.

For the past 13 years Cord’s work has focused on addressing inequality, marginalisation, and exclusion, issues that fuel tension between communities and that can lead people to resort to violence as a way of settling their grievances

Cord beliefs

Cord is rooted in the Christian gospel message of inclusion, justice and accountability. We are not a proselytising organisation, and whole heartedly believe in showing respect, kindness and promoting a sustainable peace with those of all faiths and none. We believe that faith without actions is dead, and since 1967 have conducted practical programmes that relieve poverty and promote social cohesion. Working collaboratively with other organisations, our Christian ethos is central to our work, without discrimination nor equivocation. Cord is a founding member of EU CORD – a collective group of European Christian development agencies.

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