Rogation Day prayers for disease-hit

11 May 2001



Rogation Day prayers for disease-hit

By FWi staff

THE public is being urged to wear green ribbons and join farmers in a united Day of Prayer for the recovery of the countrys rural communities after foot-and-mouth.

Churches of all denominations in towns and villages across the country are invited to adopt a rural theme for their services for Rogation Sunday on 20 May.

Reverend Gordon Gatward, of the Arthur Rank Centre, which represents the interests of church communities in rural areas, is a driving force behind the event.

He said: “Foot-and-mouth restrictions, sadly, may preclude services being held outdoors on farms, and at livestock markets as happened last year.

“But the vast majority of rural churches remain resolutely open.

“The need for prayer and a show of solidarity for those people suffering in the countryside is now greater than ever.

“I hope too that this will provide another opportunity to foster greater understanding between town and country dwellers.”

The National Farmers Union has joined the Churches Rural Group and FARMERS WEEKLY in supporting the Green Ribbon campaign.

NFU President Ben Gill said: “The control of foot-and-mouth has relied heavily on the support of the public.”

He added: “The NFU and farmers have been overwhelmed by the co-operation that has been forthcoming from every quarter.”