Archbishop’s urgent appeal for the Horn of Africa

Thursday 28th July 2011

The full statement is below:

"It is devastating to see once again the images of famine haunting our world, as parts of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia face one of the worst droughts for 60 years. Lives are being devastated – more than 11 million people desperately need emergency relief, as well as long term solutions to support sustainable farming and prevent this crisis repeating itself.

Children and other vulnerable people are dying – the urgency is intense to prevent this disaster reaching a point of catastrophe; to ensure that we do not fail our fellow human beings in the Horn of Africa.  In the longer term progress is possible: I saw it myself last month in a drought-struck part of Kenya, where local communities were being taught how to adapt to climate change through a local Church initiative.

In Britain we can be encouraged by the response from the Department for International Development, which is leading the way in the international community in responding rapidly and effectively. The British public is also giving generously through the DEC appeal. This needs to continue, saving the lives of the young and the weak right now - and building for their future.

At the same time we must hold governments round the world to account in their response to this humanitarian disaster. There is absolutely no time for delay if lives are to be saved.

Crucially, the faith communities of the world, standing in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in the Horn of Africa, can call upon their own governments to respond to the UN appeals – to respond immediately and generously."

II Corinthians 9.6-9

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,

‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;

   his righteousness endures for ever.’

To donate, please visit the following links -  

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