The Bishops of Bath and Wells and Taunton, Rt Revd Peter Hancock and Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, have launched a Lent Appeal to help refugees in Somerset and Greece. Individuals can donate on-line or via text. The Bishops have also invited each of the 496 parishes in the diocese to hold a collection in church during Lent.
In Somerset, the money raised will:
Help train volunteers wishing to offer a befriending service to refugees;
Help train volunteers and refugees with interpretation and language skills;
Help refugees to access education and medical services. In Greece, the money raised will fund the work of St Paul’s church community in Athens and will help those in immediate need by: Equipping a hostel for minors with underwear and track suits; Contributing to the food stock at the hostel; Financing tents and formula milk at the reception centre in Samos; Funding personnel working to establish a child friendly/educational space.
Bishop Peter says: “We’re living through the unprecedented movement of people from war-torn towns and cities. They flee fearful for their own lives and the lives of their children. “Please do consider giving something to the Bishops’ Lent Appeal so that together we can help offer a warm welcome to refugees in Somerset and in Greece.” Bishop Ruth adds: “Bishop Peter and I have made a very specific Bishops’ Lent Appeal this year to support the work of welcome to refugees. I have been very encouraged to hear of the stories of those who have found practical care and a warm welcome from the people of Somerset in the midst of despair, anxiety and fear. “It’s a joy to see folk gathering together to offer whatever they can by way of befriending, language support and homes to those in need. One primary school has even seen the children collecting money to buy bicycles for two Syrian children. Such generosity! We want to play our part in supporting and encouraging those efforts.”