Wales ' cost of living continues to "bite the most vulnerable" in our communities

BBC Wales reports this week that new Census data suggests six of Wales' most deprived communities are in Cardiff. Responding to this report, the Venerable Rod Green, Archdeacon of Llandaff says, "The cost of living continues to bite the most vulnerable in our communities. This week we have heard shocking stories of people heating food using a candle and radiator, but the truth is, so many in our capital city struggle to feed their families and heat their homes.

"The support of local church congregations, many of them running food banks, free markets, and warm hubs, is more important than ever. Jesus calls us, as his followers, to love our neighbours in practical ways.

"We are committed to playing our part in meeting the needs of the communities around us struggling through this cost-of-living crisis."

People should not suffer this kind of indignity nor experience the shame of needing the constant help of others to live a decent life.

The Archbishop of Wales, the Right Reverend Andy John, also responded to these findings, "News reports this week which describe people living on donated dog food show the deep levels of poverty which many now face. In a country where there is abundant wealth it is an absolute disgrace that this can happen. People should not suffer this kind of indignity nor experience the shame of needing the constant help of others to live a decent life.

"I am so grateful to those churches and communities who evidence (as much in compassion as protest) creativity as they find ways to make a difference. I have visited churches that provide services with free lunches, who deliver food to those unable to afford the cost of coming to a foodbank. I have seen the relationships being built which seek to address the causes of poverty as well as address the immediate concerns of those with too little to manage.

"Our Food and Fuel cost of living campaign seeks to build momentum, to shift the debate away from mud slinging towards ownership. I am convinced that a broad coalition of care across the whole of society can be as transformative as the great social movements of old such as the rise of Methodism. We are therefore asking key stakeholders to do more: supermarkets to shift products into the basics and essential range, churches and communities to tackle hygiene poverty and our politicians to seek constantly to alleviate the reality of poverty and its causes."

The Dean of Llandaff Cathedral, Fr Richard Peers, has written a prayer to inspire Christians into action. The prayer will be said each day at the Cathedral.

Generous God,

your will is for all people to share in abundant life;

forgive us for the inequality of our society,

inspire us with a passion for true justice

in which all who are hungry are fed

all who are cold are warmed.

May the scandal of our times

be the trumpet call

summoning us to action.

May our prayers be the start of change

may your church never stand idle.

We ask this in the name of Jesus our brother and our friend.