Dear brothers and sisters,
The news from Haiti is devastating. Images on our
television screens touch our hearts and leave us speechless. This
island nation, already one of the poorest in the world, now faces
unprecedented tragedy.
The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is the largest diocese –
numerically speaking – in our church. Countless brothers and sisters
are suffering as a result of the earthquake. Our cathedral in Port au
Prince was destroyed. Bishop Zache Duracin was uninjured in the
earthquake, though his wife suffered injuries. Episcopal Relief and
Development is already on the ground, providing immediate assistance in
the face of overwhelming ruin.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has asked us
to do two things. First, pray. Disaster of this
magnitude drives us to the foot of the cross, where we gaze at him who
himself suffered beyond measure. I ask that all parishes include in the
liturgy this Sunday prayers for Haiti, the victims of the earthquake,
and those providing aid and comfort.
Second, give. Our own Episcopal
Relief and Development is one of the finest relief agencies in the
world. It responds to disasters with speed, efficiency, and a minimum
of administrative overhead. I encourage every parishioner in the
Diocese of Northern Indiana to make a gift to ERD, using the link
below. St. Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 8-9 – in which he urges
Christians in Corinth to provide aid to Christians in Judea suffering
from a famine – is particularly apt. He reminds us that our generosity
flows from Jesus’: “You know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by
his poverty you might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus binds us
to himself through his generosity, and empowers us to be generous to
others in response.
May our Lord touch our hearts as we respond to brothers
and sisters in Haiti. With all blessings –
Yours in Christ,
+Ed
Episcopal
News Service Article
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