Churches and schools in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will receive £18,168 to rebuild and help local people. In December the Diocese of Oxford launched an advent appeal to raise funds to help the Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands rebuild Jamaica following devastating damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Bishop of Oxford, The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, said: “Through the generosity of so many people across this diocese we are able to relieve the financial strain, disruption and uncertainty people are facing. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Every gift matters and makes a difference. Thank you.”
Donations came from collective giving in churches and individuals who felt led to donate directly.
On Sunday 11 January 103 in the Diocese of Oxford people came together for a service to stand with the people affected by the hurricane. The service included hymns & prayers, a steel band, saxophonist playing Jamaican folk songs, a Gospel sing and a Gospel read in both Jamaican and English. The fundraiser was held at St Michael’s Church, New Lane, Tilehurst, and was organised by Reverend Polly Falconer and the Jamaica Society and Friends Reading organisation. Together they raised £1,011.
Local resident Karen Roach, who read the Gospel reading in Jamaican, independently raised £4,000 and sent nine ‘barrels of hope’ full of essential supplies to the island.
In 2024, the Diocese of Oxford and the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands agreed to establish a new link partnership. Together, the dioceses are exploring areas of mission including the role of young people in the church, racial justice and shared history, and the importance of caring for the environment and tackling climate change.
The Bishop of Oxford used his Advent Appeal for 2025 to support the Link Diocese, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
The Revd Canon Janet Binns, Area Dean of Burnham and Slough Deanery, and Chair of the Link said: “Hurricane Melissa has left lasting challenges. Rebuilding is painstakingly slow for many, and some of the impact is less visible but of course is deeply felt. Recovery will undoubtedly take time. We have already been able to make a significant donation from the Bishop of Oxford Outreach Fund and we're deeply grateful for the additional generosity shown by churches and individuals across the diocese. Thank you for sharing in this work of compassion and hope and for being part of a diocese that seeks to live out God's love in practical and faithful ways.”
Watch Janet’s video thanking those who gave