Anglican Communion News Service

Dear Partners,

Re: The Province of the Episcopal Church in Rwanda makes an appeal in favour of its hunger stricken people:

Greetings from the Province of the Episcopal Church in Rwanda.

The house of Bishops in its today's extraordinary meeting called purposely to discuss the issue of famine in the country, is making an urgent appeal to its partners to come to rescue the Rwandese population who are dying slowly but surely.

After exchanging information from various Dioceses, the Bishops realised that all corners of the country are affected, even if some are more hit than others, and indeed this problem of famine has been there for quite some times and due to a number of factors; eg: massive return of refugees, drought, insecurity in some areas of the country, some diseases which have eaten up some crops.

The Government is making an appeal, but then the response may delay to come or else be a drop of water in an Ocean. Hence the Church's intervention is of paramount importance.

The situation so despaired such that some of our Churches compounds are full of hungry people and the Bishops and Pastors do not know that they are to do, and if nothing is done many more are likely to come.

A clear picture of the situation will be sent next week in a much detailed document.

We would be grateful if you could encourage your people to pray and to do something for us (to send your material support to alleviate the suffering of our people).

For more information, please contact the Archbishop of the Province of the Episcopal Church in Rwanda on following:

Tel: 250 7 3213 or 7 6338
Fax: 250 7 3213 or 7 6504

Yours sincerely

The Most Revd Emmanuel M. KOLINI
Archbishop Elect of the Province of the Episcopal Church in Rwanda