IT IS Holy Week, and I should like to commend the Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund once more. Founded in 1951, the TAP Fund has supported the training of thousands of ordinands in England. Now, thanks to a generous bequest, its focus has shifted to Africa, where those who hope to train for the priesthood often have no financial resources of their own.
The TAP Africa appeal was launched three years ago with the support of the then Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, and offers African ordinands a lifeline — but only if readers continue to respond as generously to their needs as they did to English ones.
At this stage in the TAP Africa appeal, donations are down on previous years. We acknowledge the hardships that our readers are experiencing, but would remind them that ordinands in Africa tend to suffer greater hardships even than these.
I am proud to remind readers also that every single penny given will go to ordinands in need. All the admin is done willingly and for free by Hymns Ancient & Modern staff, and by our partners, the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), a co-ordinating body that operates in 25 countries in 13 Provinces. Grants will be made irrespective of gender, age, or theological tradition.
Last year, readers donated £32,348 to TAP Africa. There is quite a way to go this year to match this figure. The appeal will continue until the Friday before Pentecost; so please give generously.
How to donate to the TAP Fund
Donate quickly and securely online. This is our preferred method: www.churchtimes.co.uk/train-a-priest-fund
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 opposite and send it with your cheque.