A Pastoral Letter from the Primate
January 6, 2005
I write to you as the Primate to share with you in the grief and sorrow at the death and devastation that has been experienced as a result of the Tsunami in South East Asia.
I, along with all Canadians have viewed the horror, destruction and loss of life in the past few days and find the amount of suffering and human tragedy that has been experienced almost beyond comprehension .I will speak about finding God in the midst of all of this in my next web cast in mid January at www.anglican.ca.
This tragedy occurred on the feast of St. Stephen. In The Acts of the Apostles we read that as Stephen was dying he saw a vision of Christ and the heavens opening. My prayer is that those who died so swiftly may now be experiencing the peace and joy of that kingdom and that families and friends will find that their faith sustains them through the sorrow and heartache.
A global crisis such as the tsunami always contains within it a glimmer of hope. It unlocks human hearts, and leads to generous acts of personal sacrifice for others. I have greatly admired the tireless efforts of so many who are risking their own health and lives to bring comfort and relief to those in need. There is also the hope of greater collaboration in the setting aside of costly conflicts that pale in the light of the present catastrophe.
Our Church's response will come through The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund. I know that all Anglicans have and will continue to react with a spirit of generosity to bring a measure of comfort and relief to all who are devastated. The need will be long term as well as immediate. The Primate's Fund will be there as long as it is needed.
I have written to the Primates and moderators of the Churches in the area to assure them that our response will continue as do our prayers for all who are suffering and in need for we are all part of one family under God within our Anglican Communion.
Yours faithfully
The Most Reverend Andrew S. Hutchison
Archbishop and Primate
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