8th August 2026

A new report, published this week, by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) says at least 613 people have been killed and 375 injured in a resurgence of gang violence in parts of Haiti between 6th March  and 31st July this year. The report said the deaths occurred primarily as a result of gang violence, although more than one-third of those killed were not associated with gangs. More than 176 women and girls were subjected to rape by gang members during the period under review and more than 18,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence. Armed gangs now control between 70 and 90 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as areas of Artibonite and Centre, collecting illegal tolls and forcing parishes, schools and religious institutions to close.  Referring to the gang violence in Haiti,  Bishop Joseph Gontrand Décoste of Jérémie told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): "We are the last remaining bulkhead - moral, ethical, spiritual and prophetic… That is why they want to eliminate us." The impact on Church life has been severe. In Port-au-Prince, 40 parishes have had to close, with around 15 more shut in the central plateau and 10 in Artibonite. Catholic schools and religious houses have also been attacked, burned, or seized and turned into gang bases. Despite the danger, Bishop Décoste said the Church continues to support people through pastoral care, prayer, radio broadcasts, online teaching and practical help for thousands of internally displaced Haitians. He said: "We keep praying, singing and dancing. In Haiti we say: 'As long as they haven't cut off our head, we still have hope of wearing a hat.' That is why we never lose hope."

You can read the full BINUH report here.

Loving God, we bring to you our concerns for our neighbours in Haiti.  We are sad that so many live in fear and so many ave been fprced from their homes. We thank you for the work of the church striving to bring love, practical and emotional help and hope to the people. Wrap all in your loving care.  May no one feel alone, for your are always with us. Strengthen the faith of your people that their love for Jesus our Saviour may remain steadfast and true, and that by the way they respond to the violence nad oppression around them may they draw people to you. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Much of north-west Europe is experiencing extremely high temperatures. Easter England is expecting temperatures over 35C this week. Extremely hot weather can be dangerous for people who are homeless, bringing higher risks of dehydration, sunburn and heatstroke, charities have warned. Matt Downie, chief executive of the homelessness charity Crisis said in June "Rough sleeping has always been a public health emergency, but in this intense heat, lives are at imminent risk." Across the West Midlands, of England homeless charities are keen to help vulnerable people

The Maggs Day Centre in Worcester is providing fluids, and also keeping the day centres open longer for to provide shelter. Maggs Day Centre also has an emergency heatwave response, which includes giving bottled water, sun cream and hats to those in need.  In Wolverhampton, volunteers at the Good Shepherd organisation are going out on the streets to invite homeless people back to their base for food, water and shelter, as well as carrying out health and wellbeing checks. Key worker Shaz Kaur said: "In extreme weather, we changed to do more outreach and have a more visible presence in the city centre so rough sleepers knew we were out."  Volunteers have been reminding people to stay hydrated, particularly as dehydration is a significant risk for those dependent on alcohol.  In Birmingham, another charitable organisation, Let's Feed Brum, was trying to adapt its operations for the warmer weather, by doubling their allocation of water, handing out ice lollies and watermelon, and giving out t-shirts and caps to homeless people.  They also partner with the charity ShowerBox, helping people on the streets to have a shower in the warmer weather.

Our Lord and God,

you are worthy to receive glory, honour, and praise.

You created all things,

and by your word they are, and were created.

We thank you for the wonder of your creation

and the diversity of flora and fauna.

We praise you for all that sustains us in earthly life.

We thank you for Jesus Christ the Lord,

who died and rose to new life

opening the gate of heaven

that all may go in.

We praise you for your gift of eternal life

through faith in your Son.

We glorify you for sending the Holy Spirit to be our guide.

We thank you for all that sustains us in life eternal.

We magnify your Holy name because you love us.

You are perfect and complete.

We worship you with heart and soul,

mind and strength. Amen.