Moderator, Dr Stafford Carson said: "As we hear and see the horrendous suffering in Haiti all of us want to do something to help. I know that everyone will be praying and would encourage people to continue in that, both at public worship and in their private devotions.

"But we also need to give practical support and for most of us that is done through financial giving to the huge relief effort that is under way."

The appeal by the Presbyterian Church comes amid reports of bottlenecks and infrastructure damage holding up relief efforts in the Caribbean nation, where the earthquake killed between 45,000 - 50,000 people when it struck on Tuesday.

Dr Carson confirmed a Moderator's Appeal for the ravaged Caribbean nation across the Presbyterian Church and has already sent out £20,000 while he also expects collections to take place in congregations over the next few Sundays with all donations being forwarded to support their relief partners, Tearfund and Christian Aid.

Anyone wishing to donate to Christian Aid's Haiti appeal directly can do so through their website http://www.christianaid.ie or by telephoning their Belfast office on (028) 9038 1204.

The earthquake, which struck 10 miles south-west of the capital, Port-au-Prince, at 4.53pm on Tuesday, lasted for 45 seconds, flattening entire areas of the city, knocking out electricity supplies and phone lines and sparking dozens of small fires.

Church of Ireland Archbishop and Primate of All Ireland, Alan Harper, on Thursday urged all those who feel able to contribute financially to assist the people of Haiti during this difficult time.

The Church of Ireland's Bishops' Appeal, the Church's World Aid and Development Programme has already donated an initial £20,000 to the relief process as well as a set up special Black Santa 'Barrell for Haiti'.

Mr Harper said: "My heart goes out to the survivors, both those suffering injuries and the bereaved. I pray for the success of the international response to the disaster and I encourage all those who feel able to do so to contribute financially to assist the people of Haiti at this terrible time. The Archbishop of Dublin and I are appealing for further donations for relief and would suggest that collections be held in churches as soon as possible and sent through Bishops' Appeal."