Bishop Philip declared he was ‘thrilled’ this week as he thanked people in our parishes and schools for giving so generously to his first Harvest Appeal.A final total of more than £31,000 has been announced. That total is nearly £10k more than 2022 and the highest for many years.The appeal raised funds for charity CRESS UK and, through that organisation, the funds will support Bishop Joseph Aba and people of the Anglican Diocese of Liwolo in South Sudan; many of whom are currently living in exile in neighbouring Uganda.To boost awareness of and donations for the appeal Bishop Philip led from the front by undertaking a 100k trek across Lancashire last summer, pictured, alongside his chaplain Rev Sam Cheesman.
Digital giving this time, through online links or QR codes, tends to lead to larger donations than when people are restricted to using cash. The adoption of these new ways of giving made it easier and more convenient to respond.Bishop Philip commented: “Thank you for the amazing response to the Harvest Appeal. This is an extraordinary achievement and I simply could not be more thrilled. Our support will make a transformative difference to the precious and dangerous ministry of Bishop Joseph and will support some of the poorest people in the world.”Speaking from his home Diocese, Bishop Joseph added: “Our hearts burst into praises with thankfulness to a faithful God; providing for His work here through His loving people in Lancashire. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed and I hope to return one day to your County to thank you all in person.”
