The Anglican-Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East Caring for the Vulnerable

15 I ISSUE 2 2020

in any crisis, the vulnerable are most deeply affected

By Rev’d Anne Futcher, Diocese of Cyprus and The Gulf

In any crisis, the vulnerable are most deeply affected. During these uncertain times of Covid-19, asylum seekers, refugees and lowincome migrant workers are among those in greatest need. Across the Middle East, many of these people live in overcrowded conditions with poor sanitation. Access to information and health care is limited. In parts of the region, their working conditions are often precarious, and many have been unable to work. Some asylum-seekers (e.g. in Cyprus) have been required to move to overcrowded camps where physical distancing is difficult. Further, organisations and agencies on whom they previously relied for support have needed to close their doors, as have churches and other places of worship. Where those in need have been unable to come to us, Anglican churches across the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, while honouring lockdown restrictions, have reached out to those most significantly affected by the pandemic. Over recent months, under the auspices of the Anglican Alliance, I have been privileged to share experiences with church representatives across the Province. I have drawn on this learning here. Building often on existing relationships and initiatives, the Anglican church across the region has primarily supported the vulnerable by providing essential food gifts. Under the umbrella of the Anglican Church, supermarket vouchers and food parcels are being distributed to migrant workers In Doha and Abu Dhabi and in Nazareth, to vulnerable elderly people. In Cyprus, Anglican churches in Ayia Napa, Larnaca and Nicosia have organised food donations and delivered food parcels and meals to the hungry, collaborating with other churches, faith groups and charities. In Jordan, where many refugees have struggled to eat owing to cessation of day-labour during lockdown, St. Paul’s Church in Amman has provided food gifts. In Damascus, many of the Anglican congregations are themselves refugees. The combination of the protracted war and Coronavirus has resulted in considerable emotional, as well as economic hardship. Here, the Anglican church has responded by providing counselling and psychological support. Despite government-sanctioned pay reductions during the crisis, the Diocese of Jerusalem has

Photo: Rev’d Anne Futcher

committed to paying full salaries to staff in some thirty diocesan institutions, including hospitals, schools and rehabilitation centres, thereby providing staff and their families with ongoing financial security. Volunteers who have distributed food gifts have spoken of how privileged they have felt as relationships have deepened with recipients. Amidst expressions of heartfelt thanks, they have received frequent requests for prayer. Recipients themselves are keen to contribute too. In Cyprus, one member of the Anglican community, needy himself, places portions of cooked pasta outside his accommodation as gifts for needy passers-by. In a UAE migrant camp, one of the ladies continues to forfeit her rest day to collect the donated food vouchers, shop and distribute food to women within her camp, and to those isolated within a Covid-19 quarantine camp. We would be so grateful for your prayers for all those in our communities who are most affected by Covid-19 and for all who seek to help them.