Clifton: Bishop Lang encourages parishes to stand in solidarity with poor communities in Zimbabwe

Bishop Lang preparing the meal

Development charity Progressio launched its ZimFare and ZimFast fundraising challenges recently as part of its 75th Anniversary Appeal. Challenge participants are invited to stand in solidarity with communities facing food insecurity and harsh drought in Zimbabwe, by fasting for six days on a repetitive Zimbabwean diet, or by hosting a Zimbabwean-themed meal.

This campaign aims to raise vital funds to support Progressio's work alongside Zimbabwean communities, supporting them to overcome the structural barriers that keep them poor. Key supporters of the campaign include Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool, and novelist and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Bishop Declan said: "The ZimFare and ZimFast fundraising challenges [are] two easy ways for your parish to offer its support to Progressio in 2016.. As a Vice-President of Progressio's 75th Anniversary Appeal, I have hosted a ZimFare meal myself, and I am now encouraging congregations within the diocese to support this campaign, by hosting a ZimFare meal on a parish scale. Your support could make a significant difference, not just because of the funds raised, but because it will give hope to the people who need it most."

ZimFare meals have been hosted across the Clifton diocese both on parish scale and by individuals; for example, St George's Catholic Church recently raised over £580 through their ZimFare meal, and in February, Bishop Lang hosted his own ZimFare meal for a small group of Progressio supporters within the Clifton Diocese. At the meals, Diocesan staff and members work together to prepare a simple Zimbabwean meal, and guests pray together for the peace and dignity of people living in Zimbabwe.

David Culley, who fasted for six days for the ZimFast challenge, said: "We are so fortunate to have easy access to such a balanced and varied diet.. this week has taught me a lesson I'd forgotten - that our food is always something to celebrate and appreciate. The more that we as a society remember this, the more likely we are to change the tragic inequality experienced by too many of our brothers and sisters across the world."

Christine, another diocesan member, who raised £500 by taking on both ZimFare and ZimFast challenges, said: "The experience helped me to understand how difficult it is to do everyday tasks on a low-calorie diet. My energy levels plummeted. [...] How do our brothers and sisters, the poor and marginalised across the world, manage to work, produce and cook food, and look after their families on such poor nutrition?"

70% of Zimbabweans live in extreme poverty, on the equivalent of just £1 per day. That's why for over 30 years Progressio has worked alongside local Zimbabwean people for over 30 years, supporting them to empower themselves. Progressio's CEO, Mark Lister, said: "Funds raised from ZimFare and ZimFast will support our work alongside fragile and poor communities in Zimbabwe and around the world. Our aim is to support marginalised people, especially women, to empower themselves so they can overcome the barriers keeping them poor, and denying them their rights."

Members of the Clifton Diocese are encouraged to take part in either challenge during teh main campaign week which runs from 9th-14th May, ending on Pentecost. For more information please visit www.progressio.org.uk/zimfare, or to take part in either challenge email Shelley.Stromdale@progressio.org.uk