BECAUSE of the coronavirus outbreak, people no longer have to rely on their imagination to understand the dangers and uncertainties that face many ordinands and priests routinely in large parts of Africa.

TAP Africa, this year’s Church Times Lenten appeal, is the perfect way to respond practically to such new insights. Safe in the knowledge that English ordinands who encounter hardship this year will be ministered to from a legacy left by Miss Tuddenham, we have formed a partnership with the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) to channel donations to ordinands who find themselves in financial straits on that continent.

We are, of course, aware that many people have seen their income fall away as a result of the anti-virus measures. Again, this is no more than ordinands in Africa can experience, thanks to the vicissitudes of their country’s economy or politics.

We are most grateful to those who have donated generously already, and we urge others to follow their example, confident that not a penny of their donation will be used for administering TAP Africa.

How to donate to the TAP Fund

Every penny you can give goes to ordinands in Africa who face financial difficulty, to support them as they complete their training. Nothing is retained to cover administrative expenses.

Donate online quickly and securely: www.hymnsam.co.uk/donations/tap-fund/

Or you can give by cheque or charity voucher. Please make cheques payable to: “The TAP Fund” and send to:

TAP Fund, Church Times, Hymns Ancient & Modern, 13a Hellesdon Road, Norwich NR6 5DR

If you are a UK payer of income or capital gains tax, a payment by Gift Aid means that the Church Times, through the Hymns Ancient & Modern charity, can recover 25p for every £1 that you give.

If your donation is eligible for Gift Aid, please include a completed TAP Gift Aid form with your cheque. You can also opt for Gift Aid when making an online donation.