The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church has called for prayers for the people of Afghanistan and for the world leaders who can help those now fleeing from the Taliban.

The Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, said that following the Taliban takeover, Christians should urge their governments to open their doors to those trying to escape their country.

“Many of us will have seen the television footage of a US plane on the runway of Kabul airport, with people hanging on to the wheels and fuselage, risking life and limb for the possibility of escaping from their own city,” said the Primus.

“As Christians we are called to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and to welcome the stranger. We have a responsibility to call on our respective governments to welcome those who are fearful and trying to escape.

“I remember watching news footage of people across Afghanistan celebrating when they were freed from oppression twenty years ago. I also remember the anxiety and concern on the faces of those who were being sent as part of our support for the new government and the grief and sadness as service personnel came home in coffins.

“Afghanistan was offered hope through the sacrifice and hard work of so many, through the determination of people to make things change. Women standing for and being elected to parliament, schools full of girls wanting to learn and people who had hidden their sexuality and gender identity prepared at last to declare who they were.

“That is now all at risk. These people who grasped a new hope are being left behind.

“Please pray for the people of Afghanistan, pray for world leaders that they respond with welcome and compassion, and pray for a change of heart in those who seek to use the name of God to bring fear.”