Bishop Paul Colton has paid tribute to the people of Cork, and especially to those from his diocese for their immediate Christian and humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.  Please click here to read more reports with photos from parishes.

“We all continue to be increasingly dismayed and devastated by the scenes we are witnessing through the media emanating from Ukraine as well as the scenes of refugees arriving in neighbouring states,” he said.  “As we have responded to other crises and conflicts around the world, and continue to do so, the response of the people of Cork in general, including the people of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, has been immediate, compassionate and very generous.

“It really is an example of the third of the Five Marks of Mission in Anglicanism: ‘to respond to human need with loving service.’ What is truly eluding us all in the current disaster, however, helpless as many of us feel, is what we are entrusted with in part of the fourth of those marks of mission: ‘… to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.’ I call everyone to fervent prayer, practical humanitarian responses, and also thank very sincerely the people and parishes for their initiatives.”

From Navan to Poznan

Gillian Doonan, Chair of the Flowerfield National School Parents’ Association in Navan, is organising a 45–foot refrigerated truck and driver to drive aid to Poznan in Poland. Gillian writes: “I have been in touch directly with the hub in Poznan, and they have given me a list of the aid that is needed. The truck will arrive at Supervalu, Johnstown Shopping Centre, Navan, on Thursday, 24th March, and leave on Tuesday, 29th March. It will take three days for the truck to arrive in Poland where I and Elaine Dunne from the Federation of Childhood Ireland will meet the truck and help off–load it. The aid will be distributed to the people who need it in Poland and in Ukraine.”

The Rector of Navan, Canon John Clarke, adds: “This project is very worthy of our support and it is a very brave and noble response by Gillian. As the war in Ukraine continues and the bombardment escalates and the humanitarian crisis deepens with the number of casualties, victims and refugees increasing, now is the time for action in addition to our thoughts and prayers.”

Please consider giving to the Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development which is supporting the work of Habitat for Humanity and Christian Aid’s partners in Eastern Europe.  More information on how to give is available here.