The founder of the Campbell SVD Foundation, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, has called for a shift in priorities within the Church, urging greater attention to people rather than physical structures.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Upside Down Show, the renowned priest clarified that his reference to the “Church” was directed at the broader Body of Christ.
According to him, the true essence of the Church lies in its people, not in the physical infrastructure that often dominates attention and resources.
“I think we should do more for the poor and the needy. A church is not just a building. It’s not just buildings we want. It’s the people,” he said.
Father Campbell noted that while buildings and projects have their place, they should remain secondary to the Church’s core mission of caring for the vulnerable.
He expressed concern about persistent poverty, particularly among families struggling to meet basic needs such as school fees and childcare.
“At times, I feel we’re too concerned about projects and not concerned about the people; taking care of the people, looking after them,” he stressed. “There’s so many poor people around. Too many people who find it difficult to send their children to school, pay for school fees,” he added.
He further emphasised that the true mission of the Body of Christ should centre on compassion, service, and transforming lives rather than material expansion.
“What matters is the people, not buildings. Buildings are secondary,” he added.
Father Campbell explained that although he has undertaken infrastructure projects throughout his ministry, his primary focus has always been humanitarian work aimed at improving lives.
“My aim was to help the people first—give them meaning to life, give them enough to take care of their children and look after them,” he said.
He also called for stronger collaboration between religious bodies, the state, and communities to address challenges such as poverty, streetism, and access to education, warning that too many vulnerable children continue to be left behind.