The purpose of Kerk in Actie is to work together with the partners so that

1. more people are brought into contact with a hope-giving, liberating, renewing interpretation of the Gospel

2. churches and faith communities are encouraged and empowered to experience and propagate the faith that is relevant to the circumstances in which they live

3. churches and faith communities work together more closely so that one’s own identity is compatible with respect for pluriformity

4. dialogue between different religious groups is promoted on the basis of respect, so that their combined participation in society is strengthened

5. the existential security of the most vulnerable groups is improved and the negative effects of development on the environment (CO2 emissions, deforestation, climate change) are tackled as our contribution to poverty reduction

6. forms of living together are promoted in which power and governance are transparent, human rights are respected, and people and groups live and work together in peace

7. more is done to improve the situation of HIV-positive people; knowledge is made more widely available about human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the related vulnerability of women; opposition is mounted against the discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS or other STDs

8. people in deprived areas are better protected and prepared for emergency situations, and the expertise of partner organisations in this field of work is strengthened; practical support and relief is given to people in disaster situations; and they are then helped with their rehabilitation work after the initial emergency has been alleviated

9. people can share their experiences of liberating and hope-giving faith, and compare them with the experiences of people living in other contexts

Kerk in Actie draws up country memoranda that specify the goals for each country that are given priority. Churches and non-governmental organisations can be partners of Kerk in Actie. Many of the partners are linked to the network of the World Council of Churches (WCC). In emergency aid, for example, Kerk in Actie works via the WCC-related network ACT International (Action by Churches Together). In the Netherlands, Kerk in Actie is a member of the Samenwerkende Hulporganisaties (Combined Aid Organisations, SHO), a coalition of Dutch Humanitarean Organisations aiming at joint fund raising for major emergencies. Kerk in Actie also co-operates closely with ICCO, a protestant co-funding agency.