Bishop of Hallam visits Pakistan

Bishop Rawsthorne and Bishop Joseph Coutts (middle), the Bishop of Lahore, meet the Imam religious leader of Boi village [CAFOD]

Bishop John Rawsthorne offers his support and prayers to survivors of the devastating earthquake which hit the country on October 8 last year

Bishop Rawsthorne, who chairs CAFOD’s board of trustees, travelled to Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and Boi in northern Pakistan, areas which were hardest hit by the earthquake.

The devastation is still clearly visible throughout the region but Bishop Rawsthorne was impressed with the spirit and friendliness of the people and the speed of the reconstruction effort that CAFOD is helping with.

"CAFOD works with all faiths and no faiths," said Bishop Rawsthorne. "Wherever there is need we work, although we work through local Catholic structures where possible.

"Pakistan is predominantly a Muslim country and CAFOD’s help in the reconstruction effort is a very good exercise in inter-religious relations."

Great support

CAFOD has so far committed more than £2 million to its partners in Pakistan. This has been spent predominantly on health, reconstruction and supporting livelihood recovery.

With CAFOD money, mobile health clinics have been set up to provide basic health services in areas where the local medical facilities were destroyed or are no longer accessible since the earthquake.

Semi-permanent, earthquake-proof winter shelters were also supplied to help families get through the harsh Himalayan winter. In many cases these shelters will be the basis for new homes.

Bishop Rawsthorne expressed his gratitude to CAFOD supporters: "Thanks to the great support of CAFOD many people in Pakistan are looking forward to a brighter future. I’d like to extend a huge thank you for your support.

"It is always a great experience to travel with CAFOD and see how money given by the Catholic community is used."

CAFOD raised more than £1.6 million through its earthquake appeal, including nearly £500,000 donated by parishes in England and Wales.

For further information or photographs, please contact Claire Kirk on 020 7326 5557

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