Statement of the Presiding Bishop on the Release of Terry Waite
Episcopal News Service. November 18, 1991 [91240]
Edmond L. Browning, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church in the USA
This is a joyous day, a very happy time for me and for all of us who welcome the news of the release of our brother, Terry Waite. Along with men and women around the world who have prayed, hoped, and worked for his release, I rejoice that he has been released by his captors. I rejoice that he will be able to take up his life again as a free man. We have prayed for so long for this day, and now we thank God that it has at last arrived.
As members of this Anglican Communion we are bound together in Christian community, and have been with Terry during the ordeal of these last years. I hope that knowledge has been of comfort to him, and he has been strengthened by our love and our prayers. Because we who have not tasted such bitter times cannot possibly know what he has endured, we must continue to pray for healing of what surely must be deep wounds.
I know Terry to be a person of deep faith, strong character, and good spirit. These personal qualities, I am sure, helped him to survive the time of captivity.
I have sent word to Terry that we in the Episcopal Church are thanking God for his release, continuing in prayer for him and his family, and that we love him.
Let us keep Terry and those close to him in our prayers, and let us thank God that once again our brother is with us. Let us continue our prayers for all prisoners and captives, and for those who work for peace in the Middle East.
Edmond L. Browning
November 18, 1991