A national appeal has been launched to help the people of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands after Hurricane Melissa devastated the area last month.
The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, has launched the campaign as his annual Advent appeal after the storm left thousands homeless and many buildings destroyed or damaged. Four churches were completely destroyed and 23 other churches and schools need substantial repair.
Bishop Steven said: “As a diocese, we are in regular contact with Bishop Leon Golding and his team. We are the only link diocese for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands worldwide and this is a moment for us to step up and support disaster relief and ongoing reconstruction.
“There are many, many connections already between our two dioceses and these will grow stronger in the future. There is much that Oxford has to learn from Jamaica. But the need is critical now for our sisters and brothers.”
The diocese has already sent £5,000 to support the islands, from its charitable funds and link budget. It is hoped that a much larger sum can be sent by the end of January following support from communities around the diocese over the Christmas period.
In a video recorded for the appeal, the Bishop of Jamaica Bishop Leon Golding said: “The passing of hurricane Melissa has left behind a trail of devastation in our country. These are difficult times for us as a nation, and more so for those who have suffered loss, especially for those who have recently completed repairs following last year's hurricane Beryl.
“They must be disillusioned. The loss is great. Despite this, there is still much to be grateful for. Amid our loss, we thank God for spared lives, for each other, and for those things that renew our hope.
“As we go forward to face the difficult task ahead, with dashed hopes and struggling faith, let us encourage each other, work together with the confidence that God is our hope and strength, a present help in trouble.”
The link between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and the Diocese of Oxford was made official earlier this year. The appeal is also supported by the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit.
Donate to the appeal via the diocese website.
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Notes to Editor
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About the Diocese of Oxford
The Diocese of Oxford is the Church of England in the Thames Valley region of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. There are over 800 churches in 609 parishes, the largest number of churches of any diocese in the Church of England. The diocese is also home to 284 schools and academies educating some 60,000 pupils.