This year as a diocese we will be joining together to give towards the Archbishop of Canterbury's 'Together in Unity' appeal to support churches and communities around the world during the pandemic.

Bishop Graham writes:

I have been so inspired by the response of churches and individuals in our diocese during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your part in that.

Now Im asking us all to turn our thoughts to our sisters and brothers in some of the poorest communities around the world by supporting this years Lent Appeal. The pandemic has put a great strain on those who are already vulnerable, and as usual, it is they who suffer most.

I invite you to be Jesus hands and feet in offering assistance through the Archbishops Together in Unity Appeal. Thank you.

The initiative will work to provide income support, facilities for basic hygiene, equipment to slow the spread of the virus and food security.

Speaking of the pandemic, Archbishop Justin said:

The pandemic has hurt families, communities and nations across the world in so many ways. In our Communion, there is not one province, diocese or parish that is untouched by the pandemic. The body of Christ is hurting. We know that some parts of the body are more hurt than others. And they need our help.

The fund has already allocated over £180,000 to support churches in areas of need across the Communion as part of a special COVID-specific grant cycle.

In Maridi, South Sudan, over two hundred pastors and lay readers were provided food relief, church leaders were trained in virus prevention, and bicycles and hand microphones were provided for five pastors to carry virus prevention messages into remote areas.

In Bangladesh, in the midst of job losses and economic pressures from lockdown, hundreds of vulnerable families, from both church and wider communities, have received support to enable them to buy food and daily necessities.