wfn.org | LETTER FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF RWANDA

[Audrey Whitefield <a.whitefield@quest.org.uk>]

Oct. 21, 1997
ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
Canon Jim Rosenthal, Director of Communications
Anglican Communion Office
London, England

LETTER FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF RWANDA

16 October 1997

Dear Partners,

Re:  The Province of the Episcopal Church in Rwanda makes an ap
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:

address:    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