THERE is one month to go until we close this year’s appeal for funds to help train ordinands in Africa. We’re happy to accept donations throughout the year, but the formal appeal ends at Pentecost, 23 May.

There is no target: the Anglican Provinces in Africa could use far more money than our readers could ever provide. But, despite the hit that the pandemic has inflicted on many people’s finances, it would be good at least to match last year’s total, £38,309.91. In the middle of this week, donations in 2021 had reached £27,900.41, compared to £29,485.62 at the same point last year.

Knowing the generosity of our readers — and confident in our partners, CAPA, the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa, who have pledged to pass on every penny to the ordinands who need it so that they can complete their training — we ask: Will you give to the Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund and help to build up the Church in the world’s poorest countries, in the most direct way possible?

How to donate to the TAP Fund

We encourage you to donate online, quickly and securely. This is our preferred method: www.churchtimes.co.uk/train-a-priest-fund.

We will, however, accept donations of any shape and size. 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, the Church Times, through the Hymns Ancient & Modern charity, can recover 25p for every £1 that you give through Gift Aid. If you are eligible, please indicate this when making an online donation, or complete the form in last week’s paper and send it with your cheque.