Bishop Michael issues call to prayer for farmers

The Bishop of Exeter is to ask all church communities to pray for farmers and farming communities this Sunday 5 May.

He has been supported by the United Reformed Church. South West leader Revd David Grosch-Miller is issuing a similar call to prayer this week.

Farmers are facing a crisis now that is as every bit as bad as the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001, said Bishop Michael.

Bishop Michael arrived as bishop of the Diocese of Exeter shortly before the foot and mouth crisis, a time that left a deep mark on his ministry, he has said.

“This time it is a combination of the terrible Schmallenberg virus, which has led to some farmers losing as many as 60 per cent of their lambs, the long winter which has delayed sowing of this year’s crop and the continuing incidents of bovine TB.

“Farming is still the lifeblood of so many of our communities in Devon. Even in our cities, we are never far from the rural landscape. I am asking all our churches to pray especially this Sunday, Rogation Sunday, for our farmers and their families. And as well as pray, I’d urge people to think practically how they can help – for most people this is by trying to ensure they support local producers and farmers when they do their shopping as well as demanding a fair price for farmers from supermarkets.”

Rogation Sunday is the Sunday when churches pray for agriculture in general and the success of this year’s harvest in particular, so it is appropriate the call to prayer is heard on this day.