FOR the fourth year running, we are asking readers to donate to TAP Africa, the extension of the annual Church Times Train-A-Priest Fund, going for more than half a century, to ordinands in Africa.

Legacy income continues to support English ordinands; so we again ask for donations for those training for the priesthood with almost no funding behind them, in countries where the need for clergy is matched, sadly, by a widespread inability to support them and their families during training.

Last year’s appeal was hit by the cost-of-living crisis, yet we still managed to raise £25,762.96. We hope that this year’s appeal can improve on that. Every penny donated goes directly to those in training in the poorest African countries.

Donations can be made quickly and securely online at churchtimes.co.uk/train-a-priest-fund.