Episcopal Relief and Development is providing critical assistance to students and faculty of the Anglican Theological Seminary (ISThA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following ongoing war in the country. Intense ethnic fighting, killings, looting, and destruction continue to occur in parts of the Congo. ISThA, located in the northeast town of Bunia, has evacuated faculty and students to the town of Aru. Heavy fighting between militia in Bunia killed hundreds and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.

"Aru is already full of displaced people from Bunia," said the Rev. Titre Ande Georges, Principal of the Anglican Theological Seminary. "Life is hard for people there as all structures have collapsed," says Fr. Georges.

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing food, medicines, clothing, bedding, and utensils for the Seminary's over two hundred students and staff. On behalf of the Episcopal Church, ERD has advanced $18,000 in emergency assistance to ISThA. The assistance will also help evacuate remaining staff and students from Bunia to Aru.