Exeter University Chapel Names Melanesian Mission as Charity of the Year

Exeter University Chapel has made the Melanesian Mission (MMUK) its charity of the year for 2024-2025. This partnership has already seen the Melanesian Mission deliver two insightful talks to the chapel community, highlighting the severe impacts of the climate crisis on Melanesia. These talks have not only raised awareness but also inspired action within the community. To date the Chapel Community has raised £353, through a quiz evening and from collections from their carol services and donations from congregation. These donations will fund the MMUK’s Environment Observatories project, which educates Melanesian communities about the causes of climate change and equips them with the tools to monitor and adapt to future climate-related challenges.

Rev Hannah Alderson, Lazenby Chaplain (Anglican Chaplain for Streatham & St Luke’s Campuses), said:

“We are delighted to support the Melanesian Mission UK as our Chapel charity of the year. We have recently achieved a bronze eco church award, and this year wanted to support a charity working with those most affected by the climate crisis. Our Christian faith calls us to be attentive to the voices of those in our world who are most vulnerable, and we were moved to hear stories of people in Melanesia losing homes and communities to rising sea levels, and of MMUK’s important work in this area. In summer term we hope to do a ‘church fete’ style event, which will be great fun for our University community, as well as raising money for MMUK”

Katie Drew, Executive Director of MMUK said:

“We are deeply grateful for Exeter University Chapel’s commitment to the care of creation and the challenges facing our brothers and sisters in Melanesia. Donations already collected will enable the charity to set up three additional observatories, helping communities in Melanesia face the impacts of climate change.

“This collaboration between Exeter University Chapel and the Melanesian Mission exemplifies the power of community and shared purpose in addressing global challenges. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the environment and the lives of those most affected by climate change,” said Katie