Rome (NEV), March 20th 2020 – The Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy (FCEI) is launching an appeal to finance initiatives to tackle the pandemic generated by the Coronavirus and prevent it spreading further. “We are appealing to members of Protestant churches,” explains FCEI President, Rev Luca Maria Negro – “in what is a difficult and painful moment for all. We express our fellowship with those who, as a result of the pandemic, have lost relatives and friends, and with those who are working to tackle it and stem its flow, in conditions which are not always safe and with sometimes inadequate protection. We concur with the appeal for responsible behaviour and proper respect for the regulations which have come out in recent days. We pray that the Lord would help us to overcome this trial and, notwithstanding these difficult days, keep us from giving into dejection and despair.”
“We have faith – continues the FCEI President – that God who revealed himself in Christ is Lord of Life, that he loves us and will not leave us alone. We also feel the need to initiate practical action to support those who are working by whatever means possible to contain the effects of the virus and, as far as we are able, to support those in greatest need of protection and help. To that end, the FCEI is launching an appeal the proceeds of which will be applied in three ways: provision of disinfectant kits to care homes, healthcare facilities, reception centres for migrants and other public facilities; support for institutions monitoring the spread of the virus in order to draw up appropriate plans of action, support for healthcare facilities engaged in action to prevent the pandemic from spreading. Faced with this deafening ‘groan of creation’,” citing the apostle Paul (Romans 8:22), “we want to be practical and confident, hardworking witnesses to the Christian hope that lights up even the darkest night”.
Donations to the appeal can be made by way of bank transfer:
C/C intestato a Federazione delle Chiese Evangeliche in Italia
Banca Unicredit – Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, 70, 00185 Roma
IBAN : IT26X0200805203000104203419
BIC: Bic/swift: UNCRITM1704
Please specify “Coronavirus emergency” in the reference. Thank you.
