USPG backs Archbishops' prayer appeal for Zimbabwe

USPG: Anglicans in World Mission said it has been heartened by the response to the call to prayer issued by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York at the end of April.

The Rt Rev Michael Doe, General Secretary of USPG, said: "USPG: Anglicans in World Mission, as the principal Anglican agency working in the Dioceses of Zimbabwe, has been overwhelmed by the response individuals, parishes and dioceses are making to the call to prayer.

"We'd like to follow up the Archbishops' call to ask for the prayers of individuals for the specific needs of those dioceses, and to share some of the good work that is continuing there.

"USPG has continued to stand by the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe, and its steadfastness is an example to us all."

USPG is asking that Christians pray for the work in the Diocese of Harare which USPG is doing in partnership with Bishop Sebastian Bakare and Lambeth Palace, as well as the Zimbabwe Relief Fund which will be used to pay the stipends of clergy in the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe.

In addition, the charity appealed for prayer for the work being done in the diocese-run hospitals, clinics, healthcare programmes, school feeding programmes, orphanages, and theological education, leadership and mission programmes.

USPG also urged prayer for the ongoing support of churches and parishes in the UK who, through contributing to the charity's general fund, have enabled USPG to continue to send a Common Provincial Grant to enable the Dioceses of Zimbabwe and other parts of the Anglican Communion to function "in these difficult conditions".