Global Outreach

Episcopal Relief and Development 

DIOCESES RESPOND TO STORMS IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST

Over 300 people have died throughout the South and Southeast after severe storms and tornadoes battered the region, causing widespread damage to homes and civic infrastructure. Episcopal Relief & Development has been in contact with impacted dioceses, and is working with local churches to respond in a number of locations. As the area braces for future potential bouts of severe weather, the organization encourages prayers for people who are at risk or who have suffered losses, for the families of those who have died, and for the rescue and relief teams who are working to save lives and address immediate needs. Contributions to the USA Disaster Response Fund enable Episcopal Relief & Development to work with dioceses, preparing for crises and developing strong emergency response programs to lessen the impact of disasters on communities. At this time, donations to the Disaster Response Fund will support the relief efforts of dioceses affected by storms in the South and Southeast.

THE CRISIS IN JAPAN

Episcopal Relief & Development will continue to support the restoration and rehabilitation of affected areas in Japan. The agency will be liaising with other Anglican and international bodies, sharing information and working to ensure that the overall response is coordinated and follows the vision of the NSKK. Episcopal Relief & Development has collaborated with the NSKK in the past, through broader regional partnerships to address climate change, peace building and humanitarian initiatives. 

Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Japan Earthquake Response Fund will provide vital support to the NSKK. In Tohoku, the Church is planning to establish an emergency relief center at the diocesan building, with Bishop Kato leading the efforts to respond to the crisis. At the Provincial level, Archbishop Uematsu is working to develop a response structure that is capable of dealing with a disaster of this magnitude, and will include organizing and supporting a network of volunteers to carry out the relief and restoration work.

THE DEVASTATION IN HAITI

Episcopal Relief and Development may be involved in rebuilding diocesan health and feeding ministries. If those are your interests, please contribute directly to ERD. If your local interest is in rebuilding church buildings or providing funds for diocesan operations, I would encourage you to support such efforts, but for now, please collect and retain any funds and emerging assistance plans within your own diocese. The Diocese of Haiti will not be ready to respond to that kind of rebuilding help for some time, and when it is, the work will need to be prioritized and directed by Bp Duracin and his staff.

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