THE switch of focus last year from English ordinands to ordinands in Africa (see last week’s paper for an explanation) means that the Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund has set itself a huge challenge.

Whereas, throughout its history, the TAP Fund has been able to make a significant difference to generations of C of E ordinands, the number of would-be applicants in Africa is vast, and their needs are great.

Our partners, the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), on receipt of the funds raised last year, said that it would strive to ensure that at least one student from each of the 14 African Provinces would benefit from a grant. We are sure that our readers would like to improve on that this Lent.

How to donate to the TAP Fund

Every penny that you 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, here or in Africa.

Donate online quickly and securely online. This is our preferred method: www.churchtimes.co.uk/train-a-priest-fund.

But you can also 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, 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.