European Churches" "
“The mission of those who work at sea, on board ships, is extraordinary but often forgotten. I am aware that those who live on these ships are among the poorest persons and those most separated from their families. They deserve all our support, hospitality and care”. So said Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, on celebrating in recent days the revival of the AOS, the Apostolate of the Sea. “Our aim added Chris York, national director of the Apostolate is to bring the Gospel and the Church to those who live in isolated conditions. We visit ships and their crews when they dock. We are trying to establish ecumenical centres in ports where it will be possible for seafarers to send emails, make telephone calls and keep in touch with their families”. The Apostolate of the Sea is an agency of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. It was founded in 1922 and has spread to 89 nations throughout the world. Its aim is to provide aid and assistance to seafarers without distinction of race, religion and nationality. It works together with other Christian agencies in the field. Its activities have a marked ecumenical character.
