A reflection from Sarah Hulme, Rural Mission and Ministry Officer
What have we learned, and are we prepared as local faith communities to offer support in any future emergency?
It’s 25 years since the last major outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease in the UK. Last spring the threat level of potential spread into the UK was raised to ‘medium’ after outbreaks in Germany, Slovakia & Hungary.
Other diseases such as blue tongue & avian flu continue to spread. Extreme weather events cause crop failure, flooding and untold stress. In amongst and alongside those facing such stressful situations are local faith communities offering chaplaincy, prayer and wider practical support.
Reflecting upon the last quarter century it is possible to glimpse stories of hope emerging from the ashes; some of which we will be sharing here - with grateful thanks to the national rural network.
To coincide with remembering the FMD anniversary, the Methodist Rural Solidarity Circle has produced a 'rural emergency response' document that draws together existing wisdom for our rural church & wider communities, and gives some pointers to further learning from responses to various tough chapters in rural life.
The document also signposts to various charities & organisations that are able to support us as local communities in our response. It’s a handy starting point for discussion and action! Why not add it onto the agenda of your next Church Council meeting?
As we remember (or try to forget) the traumatic events that unfolded 25 years ago this February, let us also choose to prepare ourselves and our wider communities for any future emergency support we might offer.