Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
Crisis in Yemen
The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal is partnering with Christian Aid and Tearfund to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Already one of the world’s poorest nations, it has been devastated by civil war, leaving 7,000 dead, 35,000 injured and millions without food and shelter.
Bishops’ Appeal Chairman, the Rt Revd Patrick Rooke, has called upon congregations across Ireland to respond to this crisis by supporting the efforts of these charities. He stated: ‘There has been conflict in Yemen for nearly two years and it has left three–quarters of the population without access to clean water, food and healthcare. Seven million people do not know where their next meal will come from. Flooding and landslides that have happened since July have caused many to lose their homes. At this time of year, there are many worthy causes to give to. Would you consider giving to this crisis appeal? The situation in Yemen is critical and we would ask the Church to respond in prayer and generosity. Please consider holding a collection, or giving individually, as you also pray for peace and relief for the people who are in desperate need of assistance.’
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an urgent appeal for Yemen. The DEC works through 13 charities, including Christian Aid and Tearfund, to respond to emergencies. You can give to the appeal through Christian Aid or Tearfund at the following links: www.christianaid.ie/emergencies/current/yemen–crisis–2016 and www.tearfund.org/yemen
The Dean of Belfast has been swift to respond and on the eve of the 40th Belfast Cathedral Sit–out for charities, Dean John Mann made two £5,000 grants from Black Santa funds in response to the humanitarian crises in Syria and Yemen. The money will come from donations to Black Santa made before start of this year’s sit–out, and the grants will be directed through Christian Aid and its partners in Syria and Yemen. The Dean said a representative of Christian Aid had assured him that the resources will reach those most in need despite the receiving countries being in such turmoil. Through NGO partners working on the ground in these countries, the money will help the operation of organisations that are already working with the displaced and those in refugee camps.
This evening at 4pm the Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place in St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin. For many Church of Ireland stalwarts this marks the beginning of Christmas as they stream away from St Patrick’s in the cool evening air full of the spirit of Christmas. For others, this is the hottest ticket in town and a must do part of the Christmas season. With a reduction in the number of seats available, due to new fire regulations, the tickets are even hotter than usual. For those not fortunate enough to have bagged a seat the service will be broadcast live on RTE Radio 1.
On Christmas Day the bishops, by tradition, preach in their diocesan cathedrals. In St Anne’s cathedral, Belfast, the preacher will be the Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd John Mann, and in St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin, the Very Revd Dr William Morton will preach his first Christmas sermon as Dean. On RTE 1 at 12.20pm there will be a televised Christmas message from both archbishops of Armagh, the Most Revd Richard Clarke and the Most Revd Eamon Martin.
Church of Ireland House in Dublin and Belfast and the RCB Library have closed for Christmas. They will re–open on Tuesday 3 January 2017.
Published in the Saturday edition of The Irish Times