Archbishop calls for prayer as foot and mouth spreads

Posted on: April 2, 2001 5:24 PM

Related Categories: England

[The Winchester Way & News Round] The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev George Carey, has called on all the Christians to pray for the farming community while the foot and mouth crisis continues to spread across the country.

The farming community has been under great stress since the outbreak of the diseases, and strict restrictions have been put for travelling. This has been further heightened by their isolation and the slaughter of healthy animals as the government is trying to curb the spread of the disease.

Archbishop Carey said it was important that the farming community is given support and prayers and that the parishes can be an instrument to show them that they are not alone, but that the church also shares their experiences in the face of the foot and mouth crisis.

He said, "When the farming and other communities are feeling deeply isolated and under great stress, it is important that we stand together with them in thought word and deed."

Archbishop Carey added, "The church with its network of parishes, in urban and rural areas alike can play an important role in fostering that sense of shared commitment and concern."

A national relief fund administered by the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) has been established by the churches throughout the country to which donations can be made.

Commenting on the establishment of the fund, the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev David Hope, said, "Foot and mouth is yet another tragedy to hit the farming community. I hope that people will support this fund generously.

Fund Director Gordon said they have seen there was a need to provide a safety net under the trap on which many are standing. "We are closely in touch with the main agricultural organisations and rural churches and can direct help from the British people to those who need it most," he said.

The Rev Canon Tony Jardine, a Rural Officer, said, in support of the plight of the farming community prayers are being said in churches and that they are encouraging the clergy to telephone local farmers to show and give their support.