The United Reformed Church (URC) has donated £44,610 to help churches in Jamaica rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The funds, raised through a denomination-wide appeal, were presented to the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) during a visit by URC representatives to the Caribbean earlier this month.
Karen Campbell, the URC’s Head of Global and Intercultural Church, and the Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, Head of World Justice, travelled to Jamaica on 15 February with ecumenical colleagues to witness the impact of the storm and strengthen church partnerships.
More than 50 churches were badly damaged when Hurricane Melissa struck, with roofs torn away and eight buildings completely destroyed.
The UCJCI is coordinating repairs while also supporting the wider needs of affected communities.
Rose Wedderburn, General Secretary of the UCJCI, thanked the URC for its support.
“We truly appreciate our partnership with the United Reformed Church and the fact that you have reached out to support us at this time,” she said.
“Please pass our thanks to all the congregations and individuals who have so generously contributed for Jamaica and her people.”
The Rt Revd Dr Colin Cowan, Moderator of the UCJCI, said the disaster had highlighted a significant importance.
“Melissa helped us rediscover what it means to be ‘church in community’,” he said.
Recovery efforts are expected to take years. Church leaders say rebuilding homes and restoring stability for families remains the immediate priority before damaged church buildings can be repaired.
Revd Norbert Stephens, UCJCI Director for Special Projects, said: “Melissa was like nothing we have ever seen before. Recovery is going to be a very long process down a long road, and we need partners to journey with us.”
Karen Campbell said the hurricane had exposed deeper social challenges.
“Hurricane Melissa has affected every sphere of life,” she said. “It has also exposed pre-existing injustices — poverty, food insecurity, unemployment and substandard housing — many of which are rooted in the legacies of slavery and colonialism.”
She added that the support from the URC had come at a critical time as churches begin the long process of rebuilding communities.
Photos by Kevin Snyman.