Tsunami Aid: Bulletin Insert Offered; Response Seen As Long-Term
Episcopal News Service. December 29, 2004 [122904-01]
Continuing the Episcopal Church's response to tsunami-torn south Asia, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has prepared a bulletin insert for use in congregations (see on-line address below) to support aid efforts foreseen to be long-term.
Noting that immediate emergency response will aid children and families devastated by one of the worst natural disasters in recent times, ERD staff members say the agency will continue monitoring the situation and assess the ongoing needs of people in areas affected by the tsunamis.
"We will assist the most vulnerable victims of the catastrophe and provide immediate humanitarian needs such as food, potable water, and medicine," said ERD President Sandra Swan, who also emphasizes ERD's policy of assessing and addressing long-term needs created by large-scale crises.
Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold has written letters expressing his concern and support to fellow Anglican primates and similar church leaders in regions affected by the disaster; these member churches of the Anglican Communion include the Church of Bangladesh, the Church of Ceylon, the Church of North India, the Church of South India, the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, the Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma), the Church of the Province of South East Asia, the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, and the Anglican Church of Kenya.
"The news of the tsunami and the loss of life and devastation are almost too much to take in," he wrote. "Even from this distance, we are grieving with you. Please know of my prayers for you at this very difficult time. Episcopal Relief and Development has established an emergency relief fund so that our support and concern can be expressed in tangible ways.
"This brief note comes with an assurance of my continuing prayers for you and your church and the people in your area who are suffering. May the healing love of our Savior bring light into the darkness."
ERD's tsunami-relief bulletin insert is available on-line at http://www.er-d.org/resourcecenter.htm?menupage=36742. ERD encourages congregations to include the insert in their Sunday leaflets and church newsletters. More information on ERD's response to the disaster is available at www.er-d.org. Inquiries may also be directed to ERD public relations associate Ayana Davis, 212.716.6113; 800.334.7626, ext. 6113; adavis@er-d.org.
ERD representatives request that contributions be directed to Episcopal Relief and Development, South Asia Relief Fund, P.O. Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101. Contributions may also be forwarded on-line ( http://www.er-d.org ).