Anglicans in World Mission today welcomed the statement from the Primates Meeting, as one recognising both the need of the peoples of Zimbabwe, and the place of the Anglican Church in alleviating those needs.
The Rt Revd Michael Doe, General Secretary of USPG said: “The news that the Primates meeting has highlighted the plight of ordinary people in Zimbabwe is very welcome. As the Church of England mission agency working through the Provinces and Dioceses of the Anglican Communion, we’re delighted that the Primates Meeting recognises the importance of working in this way.
“We welcome the continuing support of the Archbishop of Canterbury for our work in Zimbabwe, and look forward to being able to increase our commitment to the Province of Central Africa.
“Over the past 18 months USPG has been working with Lambeth Palace and the Church of the Province of Central Africa to support the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. “
Canon Chad Gandiya, USPG Desk Officer for Africa said: “The Church in Zimbabwe is under many pressures at this time, financial, social and medical, and we are grateful to all those who enable USPG to meet these needs.
“Through the support of the Dioceses of Rochester and Southwark, and other groups and individuals, USPG has been able to distribute an additional £85,000 of much needed assistance to the Dioceses of Zimbabwe, particularly the Diocese of Harare. We are aware, though, that much else needs to be done.
“Both our general fund, which we use to support the on-going work of much of the Anglican Communion including the Church of the Province of Central Africa, and our special funds for Zimbabwe, are challenged by the continuing need. The Archbishop’s appeal for additional funds from parishes is particularly welcome. “
Notes to editors
The text of the statement from the Primates Meeting is: "We call upon parishes throughout the Anglican Communion to assist the Anglican Communion Office, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Office and the Anglican Observer to the United Nations in addressing the humanitarian crisis by giving aid through such mechanisms as the Archbishop of Canterbury is able to designate, and asking that Lambeth Palace facilitate processes by which food and other material aid for Zimbabwe can be distributed through the dioceses of the Church of the Province of Central Africa."
USPG: Anglicans in World Mission works with the Provinces of the Anglican Communion in over 60 countries around the world, helping to strengthen the church and build communities.
For further information please contact:
The Rt Revd Michael Doe, General Secretary of USPG on 020 7378 5661
or Neil Traynor, Press Officer on 07887 778 75
or Bola Sofela - bolas@uspg.org.uk
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USPG: Anglicans in World Mission