Anglicans in Seychelles appeal for help after storms

Anglicans in the Diocese of Seychelles have appealed for prayer and financial support after being hit by flooding.

The Primate and Bishop of Mauritius, Archbishop Ian Ernest, took to writing to members of the Anglican Communion as the crisis has gone largely unreported in the global media.

The heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and triggered landslides on the main island of Mahe, where the majority of the Seychelles' 85,000 inhabitants live.

A state of emergency was declared on Monday and the government has set up a taskforce to address the situation.

In his letter, the Archbishop raised awareness of the devastation caused by the recent extreme weather and asked for assistance.

Although there has been no loss of life, he said the country and the diocese had suffered "heavy losses" in the floods, with many church buildings being destroyed.

"I as Archbishop of the Province, therefore, call on your solidarity to sustain the diocese of Seychelles as it strives to recover the loss suffered in the last few days," he said.

"Your prayerful support and gesture of generosity will be greatly appreciated."

News
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster

Bishop Richard Moth has been confirmed as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most senior post in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. 

The mystery of the Wise Men
The mystery of the Wise Men

The carol assures us that “We three kings of Orient are…” and tells us they were “following yonder star”. Can we be sure there were three of them? Were they kings? Where in the Orient were they from? What was the star they followed? In fact, there is a lot that we just do not know. This is the story …

English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.