Archbishop of Wales urges prayer and practical help for Venezuela

The Archbishop of Wales is urging people to support those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela with practical action and with prayer.

More than 1,700 people have been killed, and many thousands more have been injured and displaced by the earthquakes which struck on June 24th.

The Church in Wales’s partner organisation, Christian Aid, is helping the relief effort.

Mari Tutesigensi, Head of Christian Aid in Wales, said:

“People need blankets, towels, hygiene kits, water, food and psychosocial support. People are experiencing huge loss and distress - people have lost ones, as well as homes and livelihoods, all gone within seconds... You are not far away from us; this world belongs to all of us. These are the times to exercise our global citizenship. Actions of solidarity move us all forward, towards the dignity and happiness that we all deserve. I urge the people of Wales, as I urge people everywhere, to act as citizens of the world today as you remember your brothers and sisters in Venezuela.

“Our partners are already in the hardest-hit neighbourhoods. We're releasing emergency funds so they can get clean water, food, health kits and shelter to families who've lost everything. We're appealing for support to help them go further, faster over the coming days and months: https://caid.org.uk/ApelVenezuelaAppeal

The Archbishop of Wales, The Most Revd. Cherry Vann, said:

“No-one could fail to be moved by the tragic human suffering caused by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we hold the nation of Venezuela in our prayers, asking God to equip and strengthen the rescuers and aid workers and to comfort and protect those who are afflicted. As part of our calling as Christians, we also urge practical and financial support for our agencies such as Christian Aid which are working to help all those affected by the disaster. Their work in bringing hope to people in the most heartbreaking circumstances could hardly be more vital.”

Archbishop Cherry urged churches to support the appeal on Sunday and to invite people to pray the special prayer provided by Christian Aid:

Loving God,

When the earth trembles and homes fall to dust, hold our hearts, God.

When grief shakes families to the core, hold our hearts, God.

Send our hands and feet to help however we can.

Our sisters and brothers in Venezuela live this now.

God of love and mercy, may we match your love in the way we respond - now.