Care News

170 Years of "Love in Action"

written by Rachel Ciano

18th June 2026

“It is one of the characteristics of the Christian faith that it is concerned with the needs of men’s bodies as well as their souls,” said Archbishop Howard Mowll in the 1930s while leading Anglicare during the Great Depression.

Established on 20 May 1856, Anglicare marks its 170th anniversary this year. The organisation has been known by different names over the years — Church Society, the Home Mission Society, and finally Anglicare — but the vision has remained the same.

From the outset, Anglicare has striven to support those in need by addressing their physical, social, and spiritual needs, fuelled by God’s invitation to demonstrate love to others because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Anglican Retirement Villages merged with Anglicare in 2016 and has played a pivotal role in providing dignity and individualised care. “This is my home and the people around me are like family,” Christine said of her ARV experience.

Over these 170 years, the communities Anglicare serves have faced severe challenges like the Depression, World Wars, the Global Financial Crisis, bushfires, and COVID-19. Social issues such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, loneliness and isolation, and aged care gaps have also left many people vulnerable.

Anglicare has responded to diverse challenges with grace and innovation through programs including chaplaincy, the Home Nursing Service, counselling, disaster relief, the Archbishop’s Winter Appeal, Op Shops, Community Pantries, Toys ‘n’ Tucker , Foster Care, Aged Care, and the Reconciliation Action Plan.

The 170-year anniversary celebrations are a time to thank God for all the ways he has sustained Anglicare throughout the years. He has gifted the organisation with a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and leaders committed to serving the vulnerable. God has also consistently met Anglicare’s physical and financial needs, often through the remarkable generosity of his people.