The Church of England logoFaithWorshipLife eventsAbout the Church
Information Where to find us
Media Centre Home
Media

Responding to the Tidal Wave Tragedy

29 December 2004

The Church of England is responding to the Tidal Wave Tragedy that has caused many thousands of deaths and injuries, and has left millions of people homeless.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is encouraging people to support the international aid effort, and has sent a message of sympathy and support to the people of Asia and parts of Africa affected by the devastation caused by Sunday's earthquake. He has written a personal letter to Anglican leaders in the region.

The full text of the letter is at http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, has urged people to pray for everyone affected by the tragedy and said that he was confident that the British people would support the massive appeal for help.

"I urge everyone to donate whatever they can, as soon as they can, to provide essential life-giving services. Every single gift will help," said Dr Hope.

The Archbishop said that prayers for those who have died, those who are injured or who have been made homeless and all those helping their fellow human beings were being said at churches throughout the land.

"It is also important that clergy make churches available to people who simply wish to reflect and be quiet," said the Archbishop.

Christian Aid is among leading agencies that have launched an emergency appeal with the Disasters and Emergency Committee to respond to the massive international relief effort. More information and a prayer are available at http://www.christian-aid.org/seasia