[3/15/2011] The images of the earthquake, after shocks, and tsunami are powerful reminders of the mighty forces of nature and the wonder of things beyond our control. The fragility of life was ever apparent as trucks and boats were swept away, as if toys, and the bodies of the dead continued its horrific increase. Radiation frightens all of us, especially the Japanese, and who can predict the psychic wounds on children and adults alike.
In both the 1998 and 2008 Lambeth Conference, I had the honor of being in a small group with the now archbishop of Japan. At both conferences, I was struck by his deep insight, and capacity to articulate the mind of the group with compassion and quiet wisdom.
“I have been trying to collect the information from the provincial office and from all the dioceses of NSKK [Nippon Sei-Ko-Kai; the Anglican-Episcopal Church of Japan],” wrote the Most Rev. Nathaniel M. Uematsu, Primate of Japan & Bishop of Hokkaido to Episcopal Relief & Development. “Because of the scale of damage and devastation, our communication has had great difficulty, and I have not heard anything from the Diocese of Tohoku which has been hit most by the earthquakes and tsunamis, and I am very concerned for Bishop John Kato and churches and people in his diocese.”
Our ongoing commitment to the Diocese of Haiti, the recent earthquakes in New Zealand, and now, the tragedy in Japan are stretching the resources of Episcopal Relief and Development, and our willingness to reach out and help the victims of these frightening disasters must stretch our generosity as well.
During this season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, please pray for the people of Japan, and continue your intercessions for those in New Zealand and Haiti. Please consider making a contribution to Episcopal Relief and Development through their website www.er-d.org, or send a check made out to The Diocese of Rhode Island for a joint diocesan contribution to ERD. All contributions should be earmarked for “Japan,” or other country of your choice.
Holy and Gracious God, from whose love we are never separated; be with those who are suffering from dislocation, fear, profound loss, and inconsolable grief; bring them relief from their troubles and tears, and instill within us the gift of generosity to support them in this time of great need; this we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
+The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf
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