<![CDATA[Church of Ireland]]> https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/ en-gb Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:40:43 +0000 <![CDATA[Bishops’ Appeal Supports Venezuela Earthquake Emergency Aid]]> https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/13399/bishops-appeal-supports-venezuela-earthquake Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:34:00 +0000 Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal has sent £10,000 Emergency Aid to help with the Venezuela Earthquake Emergency and is encouraging parishes and individuals to support the emergency appeal set up by its partner, Christian Aid.

Bishops’ Appeal has shared the following information from Christian Aid and the Disasters Emergency Committee of which it is a member:

 

We must act quickly. Together with the 14 other charities that make up the DEC, we’re launching a UK–wide appeal to meet the escalating needs of people affected by the earthquakes.  Christian Aid colleagues are already working hard with our partners to assess the needs of our neighbours in Venezuela and ensure that our emergency response is exactly what and where it needs to be.

Overview of the Crisis

On Thursday 24 June at 18:04 local time, two powerful earthquakes struck north–central Venezuela near Morón (Carabobo State). Measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart, this rare “doublet” earthquake caused widespread devastation.

Strong tremors were felt across Caracas, Carabobo, La Guaira, Miranda and Aragua, as well as neighbouring Colombia and parts of the Caribbean. The second quake is the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900.

Aftershocks have continued, hampering rescue efforts and increasing risks to affected communities.

Impact and Humanitarian Situation (correct at 5pm Tuesday 30 June 2026)

Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the scale of the disaster is significant and still unfolding:

  • 1,700 confirmed deaths
  • 5034 people injured
  • 15800 affected people
  • 68,900 people reported unaccounted for
  • Over 9,000 buildings collapsed nationwide
  • 24 countries supporting response efforts with more than 2,700 rescue personnel and 86 canine units

The government has declared a State of Emergency, and the number of casualties is expected to rise as more areas are reached.

Up to 6.76 million people may be affected, including an estimated 680,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance.

 

 

Damage and Disruption

Some of the most severe damage has occurred in La Guaira, particularly in coastal urban areas such as Catia La Mar and Caraballeda, where dense housing and older infrastructure have increased vulnerability.

Across the affected regions:

  • Homes, businesses and public buildings have collapsed
  • Roads and transport routes are damaged
  • Electricity, telecommunications and water systems are disrupted
  • Health services and hospital access are severely affected
  • Structural damage has forced the temporary closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport

Many people are now sheltering in open spaces, vehicles, schools and temporary shelters due to fears of further collapse.

Humanitarian Needs

Affected communities urgently require:

  • Safe shelter and essential household items
  • Food and access to clean water
  • Healthcare and sanitation services
  • Protection support and mental health care

Those most at risk include children, older people, people with disabilities, women–headed households, and communities already impacted by Venezuela’s ongoing socioeconomic crisis.

 

Response and Partnerships

Christian Aid is working through its ACT Alliance partners, supporting local organisations already responding on the ground. These include:

  • Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
  • Swiss Church Aid (HEKS)
  • Lutheran World Federation

Faith communities play a vital role in response efforts, offering trusted networks that provide practical and pastoral support and help reach the most vulnerable.

 

 

 

How Donations Will Help

It is not too late to save lives and prevent further suffering. Donations will enable partners to provide:

  • Water hygiene kits (including purification tablets and filters)
  • Dignity kits for adolescent girls (including sanitary products)
  • Food supplies such as grains, lentils, oil and salt
  • Cash assistance so families can meet urgent needs

Suggested donation impacts:

  • £10 – can provide dignity kits, including underwear and sanitary products, for adolescent girls.
  • £20 – food or cash support for a household
  • £50 – can provide water hygiene kits that contain water purification tablets and a water filter.
  • £100 – helps provide food (including lentils for protein, grains, cooking oil, salt).

Message from Christian Aid

Carlos E. Mejia, Head of Impact, MCC LAC, Christian Aid, said:

Venezuela is facing immense human suffering. These earthquakes have deepened an already difficult situation, causing widespread destruction and loss.

The impact is not just measured in numbers, but in lives, families and communities now facing grief and uncertainty.

Through our partnerships with faith–based networks, we are working to channel solidarity and support from communities in the UK to those affected. This is a tangible expression of hope in the face of tragedy.

Prayer

God of all compassion, We hold before you the people of Venezuela.

The scale of the disaster is great and the pain is deep. Be close to those who mourn, and sustain those awaiting news of loved ones.

Strengthen and protect rescuers, medical teams and aid workers. Be present with those still trapped, bringing comfort and hope.

Help us to respond with generosity and compassion, and to stand alongside those in need, now and in the months ahead.

Amen 

 

]]> https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/13399/bishops-appeal-supports-venezuela-earthquake <![CDATA[A lady called Audrey and her world–wide impact!]]> https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/13297/a-lady-called-audrey-and Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:52:00 +0000

The choices we make in life and what happens after our death can have incredible significance. When the Bishops’ Appeal advisory committee heard that Audrey – a widow from the south west of Dublin – had left a very generous legacy to the Bishops’ Appeal charity they decided to honour her memory by supporting five life–changing projects in different parts of the world.

– A school for disabled children in Egypt, enabling almost double the number of children to benefit from therapeutic services, specialist therapy and learning spaces, and life skills education – sponsored by CMSI.

– Women in Honduras, who will be given practical support as well as spiritual encouragement, as they heal from domestic abuse and are provided with the training needed to provide a sustainable income for their families, overcoming hunger and supporting green economy projects – with training and support provided by Christian Aid’s partner in the country.

– Support for Balassan Clinic, a church–run medical clinic in Lebanon, which provides free or highly subsidised medicine, imaging and laboratory tests, minor surgical procedures and primary treatments, Audrey’s legacy is providing funds to cover its running costs for four years, supported through Tearfund Ireland. The clinic describes themselves as a “church–based medical and counselling centre, serving everyone with Christlike love and reflecting the healing touch of Jesus.”

– Training and support for indigenous lay leaders and those training for ordained ministry in the Grand Chaco region of Northern Argentina (with SAMS Ireland), strengthening local churches and resilient community leadership across the Chaco where the Wichi indigenous people face huge challenges.

– Helping to build a 3–classroom block (plus desks, chairs, materials and a toilet block) for a nursery school in eastern Uganda, to allow 113 nursery school children aged 3–6 to benefit from Fields of Life “I am Educated” programme each year.

These projects – all nominated by our trusted partners CMSI, Christian Aid, Tearfund Ireland, SAMS Ireland and Fields of Life – will be delivered by people who had a track record of delivering similar significant–sized projects in their areas, safely, effectively and within budget.

One lady – five projects – hundreds, indeed thousands, of lives changed for the good. Look out for updates from each project in the months ahead.

Contact Details

Bishops’ Appeal is the Church of Ireland’s World Aid and Development Programme. It was set up by the Bishops of the Church in 1972 in response to the commands in the Bible to bring good news to the poor and relief to the suffering.

A registered charity in the Republic of Ireland (20019068) and in Northern Ireland (101325).

Enquiries for Bishops’ Appeal can be made through the online contact form at the following link: www.churchofireland.org/contact

Hilary McClay

Education Advisor

bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org