For many years, our chaplaincies, along with the Old Catholic Churches of Switzerland, have devoted the Trinity Sunday (4th June) collection to Partner sein as one of the few really visible signs of our cooperation with a church that we have been in full communion with since the 1930s.
I am often asked about Partner sein and why we at St Andrew’s support them. Partner sein predominately supports Anglican projects in Africa as well as projects of the Independent Philippine Church (affiliated to the Anglican Church) and an ecumenical project in Hong Kong. Many of our projects are long term and in cooperation with local Anglican churches, with the purpose of either educating young persons or supporting people to learn to support themselves. Having travelled to Africa with Partner sein, I have seen how these projects can make a huge difference to people’s lives, for which they are extremely grateful. Thank you for supporting this cause as generously as you can.
Although the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic eased in the course of 2022, it was a difficult year for Partner sein. A number of our regular fund-raising events early in the year did not take place, and at the same time, most of our education projects were reopened. Once again we had to dip into reserves.
In the last 3 years we have budgeted a position for emergency relief. Money was paid out to the Middle East Council of Churches in connection with the massive explosion in Beirut which devastated a large part of the city, destroying much infrastructure and displaced many people. In Ukraine, we have been financially supporting a Roman Catholic parish (where the priest is known to us) in their relief work among Ukrainian refugees.
Civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo has broken out again and this restricts the efforts of our projects there. Some of the infrastructure, partly financed by Partner sein, has been damaged yet again. We have recently been informed that things are somewhat normal again.
A delegation from Partner sein (at their own expense) visited DR Congo in April/May 2022 and inspected as many projects as possible in situ. They were happy with the results and are convinced that our monies are being used properly. We also saw the effects of the recent volcanic eruption with large areas covered by lava flows and earthquake damage to project buildings as far as 60 km from the explosion. A detailed report of the trip can be found under:
https://www.partner-sein.ch/en/bericht/116
On the return journey, they also visited Partner sein’s flagship project in Kanoni, Uganda. Partner sein has worked here for many years slowly improving facilities for the pupils of the St. Apollo school and the local village.
We remain optimistic and have budgeted CHF 254’500 for a total of 31 projects in 2023. Over 40% will be used in DR Congo, particularly in the South and North Kivu areas, where we have a number of projects aimed at assisting the very poor and disadvantaged. These projects are run by the Anglican Diocese of Bukavu.
There are a number of copies of the English version of the Project list brochure available in the foyer at St Andrew’s church Alternatively, the same information can be found by visiting the Partner sein website: https://www.partner-sein.ch
The Board of Partner sein continues to be extremely grateful for the generous support they receive from the Anglican churches in Switzerland.
Robert Amstutz
Synod Delegate to Partner sein
The collection taken at the Trinity Sunday service at St Andrew’s will be donated to Partner sein. Should you wish to do so, you can also donate via TWINT, using the QR code opposite, or by making a payment via the St Andrew’s account with Postfinance*:
CH04 0900 0000 8001 1689 3
*Please include ‘Trinity Sunday 2023’ in the reference