Church leaders in Westbury are asking local people to donate to help Syrian refugees and have set up special collection points in the town centre.
Church leaders from across the town are appealing for people to give what they can to ease the plight of refugees from the Middle East by donating to Christian Aid.
Ian McManus, minister at West End Baptist Church said, “We have been struck by the recent media coverage of the plight of many refugees across Europe. As such, we have composed an open letter to all in the area encouraging people to support the work of Christian Aid.
“The charity has people on the ground in various places in Europe and the Middle East who are working long term to aid the refugees in their need.
“There are a lot of collections for clothes and food, but many of the donated items may not make it past Calais. By funding charities that have been working in the area for a year or more, we can help set up a long term solution to this ongoing problem.”
Open letter
The open letter from the church leaders reads as follows: “Four terrible years of conflict in Syria have had devastating effects on young and old alike. More than 3.8 million people have become refugees and over 200,000 people have been killed.
“According to the charity Open Doors, there are nearly 6 million people still within Syria classed as ‘internally displaced’. Some are simply too poor to leave – lacking the money to pay smugglers to help them flee. Others are too old or unwell to make the journey.
“Following the tragic drowning of 3-year-old Alan Kurdi, there has been an unprecedented explosion of compassion as individuals and organizations seek to address the enormous suffering of the innocent people caught in conflict throughout the Middle East.
“But as the conflicts in Iraq and Syria continue, the numbers of refugees is set to increase. And as winter approaches in all countries of refuge, so will the need for warm food, clothing and shelter.
“As the united leaders of the churches in Westbury, we invite you to join our response to this crisis.
“Christian Aid is working alongside other agencies in supporting humanitarian efforts taking place in Europe and the Middle East. With their partners, they are seeking to provide essential supplies such as food, fuel for cooking, hygiene and sanitation kits, water containers and cash assistance, as well as psychological support for those who are suffering as a result of the conflict.
“Please help us respond to the immediate and long-term needs of refugees and provide vital assistance to those facing fear and uncertainty.
“If you would like to donate any amount, large or small, you can do so either by giving directly to Christian Aid’s Refugee Crisis Appeal at www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies, or by bringing your donation to Westbury’s Crosspoint Centre, or to one of the churches participating in this appeal.
“Thank you for your support.”
The letter was signed by Rev’d Steve Jarvis & Rev’d Sue Miles (All Saints), Rev’d David Coppard (URC and Methodist Church), Rev’ds Ian & Fatimah Murray (Church of the Living God), Rev’d Len Clift (Stormore Baptist Church), Rev’d Ian McManus (West End Baptist Church), and Fr. Liam O’Driscoll (St. Bernadettes Roman Catholic Church).
