This Harvest fast day CAFOD asks you – the people of Lancaster Diocese – to revisit Ethiopia in your mind’s eye. When the cameras left Ethiopia and the great Live Aid push ended 20 years ago, though the media coverage diminished, the suffering continued. The millions raised were not enough to end poverty; debts still crippled the country, and unfair trade rules still made it impossible for many Ethiopians to support themselves.

With your help though, CAFOD has continued to help in Ethiopia and other areas of the developing world, through projects, which have helped families and communities to sustain themselves. Continued financial support is vital if CAFOD is to go on helping the world’s poor. Also continued pressure must be put on governments to act on the issues which kill millions through injustice, to speak out in a world of plenty where many are deprived of basic needs.

CAFOD regional co-ordinator Anne Marie Coppock says: “Lancaster Diocese has a long record of being supportive of CAFOD’s work both in terms of finance and time given to campaigning. We are extremely proud of the high profile involvement given to the Make Poverty History campaign by the people and clergy of the diocese. Unfortunately, until all our campaigning demands have been met by governments, we all have a Christian duty to respond to the needs of our family in the developing world. Through CAFOD, people’s faith can be put into action bringing about real and lasting change. Please remember the work of CAFOD in your prayers”.

CAFOD has speakers who are available to give talks at parishes throughout the diocese, both relating to the fast days and at any time of the year on CAFOD’s general work. Please contact the North West office on 01772 733310 if you wish to arrange a visit.

For further information please contact: Anne Marie Coppock on 01772 733310