Bishops' Letter about Super Typhoon in the Philippines

November 14, 2013

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines as they struggle to recover from Super Typhoon Haiyan. The loss and destruction in the Philippines has brought us to our knees in prayer. We particularly hold in prayer our sisters and brothers in Christ in The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, especially the Most Rev. Edward Malecdan, Prime Bishop, as they seek ways to reach out and care for all affected by the typhoon.  

We your bishops have committed $2500 out of our emergency relief funds to help the people of the Philippines through Episcopal Relief and Development. We commend Episcopal Relief and Development as one way that our Church can be of assistance to the Philippines at this time. More information on Episcopal Relief and Development, including service bulletin inserts, can be found through this link. 

We offer the following prayers for all whose lives have been devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan and ask that you, your parishes, and your local communities reach out to our sisters and brothers in the Philippines in need at this time.

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in your holy Word that You do not willingly afflict or grieve humanity.  Look with pity upon the sorrows of the people of the Philippines for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 831, modified)

O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless, we beseech thee, all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, the same thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen. (BCP p. 209, modified) 

May the peace, hope, and life of Jesus' Resurrection surround the people of the Philippines.

Faithfully,

Ian, Laura and Jim

The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas

The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens

The Rt. Rev. James E. Curry