Bishop fasting in solidarity with hungry Brits

The Bishop of Taunton

The Bishop of Taunton is one of many Christians who have responded to the call to fast during Lent in solidarity with Brits going hungry.

Bishop Peter Maurice will be fasting every Wednesday throughout Lent as part of the End Hunger Fast campaign.

"The number of people needing food aid is still rising. This is an opportunity to show solidarity with the thousands going hungry in Britain today," he said.

"I pledge to fast every Wednesday between now and Easter, and I urge others to consider showing their support too, by taking part in a nationwide day of fasting on 4 April."

Bishops in the Church of England have been vocal in their call to the UK Government to do more to end the escalation in people going without enough to eat.  

Foodbank operator the Trussell Trust has published figures revealing that over 600,000 received emergency food handouts from its distribution centres between April and December last year.  

British hospitals are also reporting a rise in admissions relating to malnutrition.  At health trusts in Somerset, 215 people were admitted in the last year, up from 30 in 2008. Nationally admissions are up from 3,000 to 5,500 since 2008.

People can pledge to join the day of fasting at www.endhungerfast.co.uk

News
Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth
Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth

Under the changes, a woman who terminates her pregnancy by herself after the 24-week limit will not face any legal sanctions.

SNP 'conversion therapy' ban would be 'fundamentally illiberal'
SNP 'conversion therapy' ban would be 'fundamentally illiberal'

SNP support has dropped, but they are still the frontrunners for next month's elections.

Franklin Graham pushes back against Pope's war comments amid war of words with Trump
Franklin Graham pushes back against Pope's war comments amid war of words with Trump

Graham told Piers Morgan that while he did not want or support war, there was justification for it "when you're fighting evil".

Archbishop of Canterbury joins Pope in call for peace
Archbishop of Canterbury joins Pope in call for peace

The Pope has been outspoken against the latest war in the Middle East.