Bishops' Appeal Committee20 May 13

Bishops’ Appeal – Responding to Crisis in Syria

In response to the current humanitarian problems and the suffering facing many people in Syria, Archbishop Richard Clarke and Archbishop Michael Jackson have approved an emergency release of Bishops’ Appeal funds. €5,000 and £5,000stg will be immediately directed to Syria as part of a wider Church of Ireland disaster relief effort. In addition to this, Bishops’ Appeal is urging parishes and individuals to contribute to the aid efforts in this time of increasing crisis.

As many are moved to give, Bishops’ Appeal will act as a conduit, directing donations to where they will have most impact among those displaced in Syria and those seeking refuge beyond Syrian borders. To date, two million people are internally displaced and a further one million have fled to seek refuge in Lebanon and Iraq. Donations received through the Church of Ireland fund will be split between the work of Christian Aid and Tearfund and their partner churches and development agencies on the ground. The primary concern is for basic food and shelter for those who have had to flee their homes.

At this time Bishops’ Appeal asks people to pray for peace and to pray for families who have lost loved ones, who have been separated from each other, and for all who have had to flee, recognising that we all have an important role to play in ensuring that people receive their basic needs at this time.

Parish and individual donations are greatly appreciated. Please send donations to Bishops’ Appeal, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.