The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard, has promised the support of the church to the farming community caught up in the latest outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
Foot and mouth disease was discovered at a farm in Surrey last week, sparking fears among Britain's farming community of another crisis similar to that of 2001 when more than six million animals were slaughtered.
"Clearly the situation is evolving day by day but this is an alarming time for everyone who works the land on our behalf and I want to pledge the support, concern and prayers of the Church for everyone involved," said Bishop Pritchard.
2007 has proved to be a difficult year for Britain's farming community, parts of which are still recovering from severe flooding in June and July, while outbreaks of TB and bird flu also remain serious concerns.
"'How much more?' they must think. Much of our rural economy is quite fragile and the country cannot afford (in any sense) to see another tragedy unfold like last time. Lessons have been learned from the last foot and mouth epidemic, but that doesn't remove the fear," he said.
Bishop Pritchard assured the farming community of the church's continuing support.
"Our churches belong to the fabric of the countryside just like the farms. Those churches and their communities of Christians will be agents of God's loving concern, whatever the outcome of this current alarm," he affirmed.
"I know they will be ready to offer practical and spiritual help without hesitation or condition. May God bless our countryside, and keep it fruitful and hopeful."
