The Diocese of Rochester's Poverty and Hope Appeal - the annual fundraising opportunity for the whole diocesan family to express its Christian belief in justice for those in need - is now launched!
Needs that all of God’s children deserve: a safe place to live; food to eat; and a pathway to something better.
Last year, nearly £20,000 was raised to support key partner projects across the world - thank you!
Over the last five decades, Poverty and Hope has focused on five core themes: agriculture, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and community advocacy.
This year another is being added: peace.
As war and violence continue to devastate millions of lives, this year's Appeal sees the addition of two new projects to support peace in Israel and Palestine, and in Latin America.
- The Amos Trust - Continuing efforts through Amos Trust to work for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Palestine, highlighted by the Wi’am Conflict Resolution Centre, working in the shadow of the separation wall in Bethlehem.
- Communities Living Peacefully Project - A big new initiative involving Christian Aid, the EU and US Aid, to help people turn away from violence towards peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. The immediate focus is on the 'Communities Living Peacefully' project working at the northern border of Haiti and Dominican Republic.
Peter Kettle, a Licensed Lay Minister, and Poverty and Hope Appeal Coordinator says:
"We are so grateful to every church and individual who contributed to last year's incredible total. Every penny of which is going to our seven beneficiaries: four international Christian Charities and three Companion Dioceses in Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
We are God’s hands and feet (and money) on earth, so I would encourage everyone to please donate as generously as they can."
To find out more the different projects, and how you and your church can donate and get involved, visit the Poverty and Hope pages