The Revd Jonash Joyohoy, a priest in the Philippine Independent Church, told USPG: ‘We are running a relief assistance campaign for typhoon victims in Mindanao.
‘Of the thousands of victims from the Philippine Independent Church, around 800 families are seriously affected, 200 houses have been totally damaged, nine people have died, and many more are missing. Any assistance from partners will be of big help.’
Mr Joyohoy said church members were helping each other as best they could.
Linda Chambers, National Director of USPG Ireland said: ‘At this time of Christmas celebration, thousands are in mourning for the loss of loved ones. They are also worrying about the health of survivors and waiting for the restoration of sanitation and clean water supplies.’
The Philippine Independent Church is the second largest mainline denomination in the Philippines, after the Roman Catholic Church, and is estimated to have up to ten million members.
The church is well known for its forthright stance on issues of economic, political, environmental and religious injustices faced by ordinary Filipinos.
Priests and laity have been attacked, even assassinated, after speaking out against human rights abuses.
In 2006, former Obispo Maximo (supreme bishop), Alberto Ramento, a fearless critic of the Philippine’s government, was brutally murdered, and his killers have never been found.
Churches and individuals are invited to support our Anglican brothers and sisters in the Philippines with prayer.
Financial support can be send to USPG Ireland, Gobadruish, Mohill, Co. Leitrim.