News Outside Diocese

BISHOPS’ APPEAL  LAUNCHES EAST AFRICA APPEAL

In an urgent response to the persistent drought in East Africa, the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal has announced that it is releasing €20,000 to fund the work of Christian Aid and their local partners who are responding to the crisis on the ground in Kenya and Ethiopia. It also appeals for contributions from parishes and individuals throughoutIreland to help with the disaster relief efforts.

According to Christian Aid, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that the situation in East Africa is the worst food security crisis in the world today.  Some parts of the East and the Horn of Africa are experiencing the driest conditions in 60 years.  Drought in the countries affected, particularly Kenya andEthiopia, has left 10 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

The funding released by Bishops’ Appeal will primarily be used for the provision of emergency tanks and the distribution of water to villages experiencing the worst of the drought conditions.  The funds will also be directed towards families who are not being reached by the World Food Programme.  Christian Aid is distributing food supplies to them with a special focus on malnourished children and pregnant women.   The funding will also be used in the construction of extra water points to provide a longer term solution to the lack of water in the targeted villages. Bishops’ Appeal recognizes that in a time of crisis, everyone’s actions, from Parish collections to immediate action at the point of need, are all necessary links in the chain to deliver a successful and powerful response to alleviate the suffering of others.

Parish and individual donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated at this time.  Dates for Parish responses can be chosen locally over the coming weeks and proceeds sent to: Bishops’ Appeal, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.

Zimbabwe Anglicans not allowed to celebrate at African saint’s shrine. 

New Facebook page established where Anglicans/Episcopalians can express their solidarity with Zimbabwe’s Anglicans

By ACNS staff

For the second year running, Anglicans in Zimbabwe have been forced to find another place to mark the memorial of African martyr Bernard Mizeki after being denied access to their official shrine.

Last year worshippers, who had travelled from all over the country, were driven away by the Zimbabwe Republic Police despite assurances from the government that they would not be disturbed or harassed.

Bishop of Harare, the Rt Revd Dr. Chad N. Gandiya called on members of the Anglican Communion to pray for the safety of the pilgrims who travel to the Marondera Show Ground this coming weekend.

For more click here.

Bishop Christchurch New Zealand fears her clergy face “exhaustion of spirit” following tremors 

By Lloyd Ashton, Anglican Taonga

Bishop Victoria Matthews

In the wake of yet more big jolts in Christchurch, Bishop Victoria Matthews says she fears her clergy are facing “exhaustion of spirit”.

“People are tired. They have been more than magnificent. Let me say that clearly.

“But I am hearing of a deep weariness of the soul, and I’m having to ask people to reach deep into their resources to meet yet another crisis.

“The churches that have stepped up to the plate, and been magnificent so many times before, will have to do it all over again. Because we have got to keep looking after the people of God.

“I’m watching people’s eyes, and hearing their words very carefully, and I’ve been saying to some: ‘You know, you’ve got to get out and away for a month.’

For more click here.