The Primus, the Most Rev Mark Strange, speaking today said: “I sat at home watching the news on Tuesday and was shaken by the images showing the explosion at the harbour in Beirut. My initial reaction to the powerful explosion was shock, then fear for those caught up in it, then real anxiety for the people of Lebanon as it became clear that the whole country is affected by this event.

“I have sent a message to Archbishop Michael Lewis, the local Anglican Primate with the love and prayers of our Church.

“I simply ask that we remember Lebanon in our prayers on Sunday, either from our homes or where possible from our churches.”

Links to a couple of charities already at work in Beirut and which have launched emergency appeals are given below: