Office of the Primate
Anglican Church of Australia
15 March 2011
Statement by the Primate in the wake of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami
Anglican Primate of Australia, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall has urged all Australians to keep Japan and its people in their ongoing prayers and thoughts as the nation recovers from the worst national crisis since World War Two.
He said Australians joined the global community in expressing shock at the extent of the disaster, which has once again reminded us of the unpredictability of nature.
“Australian Anglicans also remain confident of God’s active caring involvement in the lives of people no matter where they live,” His Grace said.
People can make a genuine and effective contribution to the people of Japan through continuing loving prayer and by giving generously to the aid programs that will be established in the near future,” Archbishop Aspinall said.
He said Australian knew only too well the destructive forces of nature and the gratitude that flows from giving.
“We are grateful for the support and good wishes which flowed to us from the church in Japan in the aftermath of the floods [and bushfires] earlier this year. It is tragic that we should be returning that support so soon,” he said.
In a letter to his Anglican counterpart in Japan, Nippon Sei Ko Kai, Archbishop Aspinall conveyed how shocked Australian Anglicans were at the widespread destruction and loss of life that the earthquake and the tsunami wreaked on eastern Japan.
“As your people continue to battle fires, flooding and continuing aftershocks, we pray that you may know God’s comforting presence and love in the midst of uncertainty and fear in the days and weeks ahead.
“… I hope that you will not hesitate to let me know if there is anything we can do to assist you at this time. In particular we would be grateful to know of any emergency fund or appeal to which Australian Anglicans can contribute our financial assistance,” Archbishop Aspinall wrote.
The Primate's prayer for Japan;
Gracious God
whose love for all creation even death cannot overcome,
hear our prayers for the people of Japan,
overwhelmed by earthquake and tsunami:
give comfort to all who mourn,
hope to those who search for loved ones lost,
wisdom to leaders charged with the task of recovery
and peace for all who face the anguish of death.
When even the solid ground gives way
and the seas break their allotted bounds,
help us to trust in you, our firm foundation,
and in the promise of life eternal in your presence,
through Jesus Christ our Lord
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
ENDS
Further information:
John Austin
Communications and Media Manager
Anglican Diocese of Brisbane
0401759073 or 0431806353