The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

The Revd Ian Poulton, Honorary Secretary, Church of Ireland Bishops' Appeal issued the following statement:

"The Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin this morning (Friday 3rd March) approved an immediate emergency grant of £20,000 for relief work in Mozambique.

"The grant will go to the Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM) who are distributing urgently needed survival packs to families made homeless by the floodwaters. These survival packs contain two weeks' supply of food (including high energy biscuits for children), candles, matches and other equipment.

"CCM is also encouraging Mozambicans in the north - who have not been so badly affected by the floods - to support the relief efforts with any food they can spare. In many areas local churches are cooking food and providing shelter.

"CCM is an established partner of Christian Aid. Working with local partners with a proven track record is the most empowering and most financially effective way of responding to crises.

"In Dublin and Glendalough diocese the Archbishop has suggested that parishes that wish to respond hold a special collection on the first Sunday in Lent.

"Bishops' Appeal will gladly receive contributions for the emergency appeal, but please, please continue to give generously for other ongoing long-term development work. Long term projects bring real improvements in people's lives and build the capacity to cope when things go wrong."