Archbishops' appeal for Zimbabwe
Wednesday 25th February 2009
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, have launched a joint appeal to help counter the humanitarian crisis and deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe.The Archbishops' appeal for Zimbabwe highlights the support needed by churches, which are struggling to feed the hungry and heal the sick, and are suffering alongside their communities.
In a joint article in today's Times, the Archbishops have said:
"We have been witnessing the slow death of a people. And slow death is only intermittently newsworthy; nothing to report except more of the same, so that the temptation is to switch off. But this doesn't mean that the need for hope is any less urgent on the ground."
"With about fifty per cent of the population now estimated to be in danger of starvation, with cases of cholera rising to nearly 75,000 and a fatality rate of one in twenty, with AIDS still a mass killer and no antiretrovirals available, with raw sewage pumping into streets, the humanitarian situation is as bad as it could be."
"The Church remains a trusted deliverer of aid at grass roots level, capable of getting food and medical supplies to those who need them, and we urge everyone, inside and outside the Christian Church, to give it their strong support. And for Christian believers, we want to repeat the Primates' call for prayer and fasting especially today, Ash Wednesday – accepting our responsibility to stand alongside all who are suffering in Zimbabwe."
The Archbishops' Zimbabwe Appeal is being administered on behalf of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York by USPG: Anglicans in World Mission.
To make a donation through USPG
Online: donations can be made online at www.uspg.org.uk - Select the donate tab from the main menu for details. If donating online, select 'Archbishops' Zimbabwe Appeal'.
By cheque: make cheques payable to 'USPG', write 'AZA' on the back and send it to USPG: Anglicans in World Mission, 200 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YB with an accompanying letter if you require a receipt.
Bank giro credit: can be made at any UK branch of Barclays Bank plc.
Account name: 'USPG –AZ Appeal'
Account no. 73594793, Sort code 20-32-29
Barclays Bank plc, London Corporate Banking