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The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington
Bishop's Pastoral Letter in Response to Hurricane KatrinaSeptember 4, 2005 |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I write to you out of deep pastoral concern, both for the people of our country’s Gulf Coast, but also for you who want to help with a desperation almost equal to that being experienced by those in the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. We have had many, many calls and e-mails at Mission House this week from you asking how to help. Amid the destruction, your overwhelming desire to help has been a source of inspiration and hope to me and to others. I have been in touch with the Bishops of Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Central Gulf Coast. It has been impossible to talk by telephone, but I have exchanged e-mails with Bishop Jenkins of Louisiana and Bishop Duncan of the Central Gulf Coast. As you have seen on television, the situation is dire. Looting has been a major problem. New Orleans expects to have 350,000 long-term hurricane refugees. At the moment by far the most helpful thing you can do is send money to help with the emergency relief efforts. The people affected by the storm are just in no position to accommodate anything else right now. Episcopal Relief and Development is an excellent vehicle to help. Because of the way the Episcopal Church administers this agency, 100% of your gift will go directly to support relief efforts. Your gifts may be made directly to ERD (your priest has the address) or sent to the Diocese for us to send on. I have asked all clergy to take special offerings for this purpose, at least this Sunday and next. The Diocese is also planning ahead for ways we might be able to be of more hands-on help when the time is right. We have a response team already planning for this. Let me tell you a little about what is being considered. First, we are planning to send work teams to help with rebuilding when that would be helpful. One of the wonderful things about being an Anglican is that we have personal relationships with Christians of our tradition all over the world. That is true also across the affected area. We are working directly with people we have relationships with, including several who have been in our own Diocese to help do mission work here, to help us do the same there. Second, I have offered to take up to 1,000 refugees here by using some of the gifts God has given us, especially the Cathedral Domain, St. Agnes’ House, St. Timothy’s, and the dormitory buildings at All Saints in Lexington. Regarding those dormitory buildings, many of the buildings would need work to be readied for guests. The work would entail things like cleaning, plumbing repairs, roof repairs, and installation of bunks. As soon as we get a response, I will be asking you to participate in this effort. We will also, of course, be coordinating our efforts with state and local governments if the Bishops would like to accept our offer. For now, Bishop Jenkins has told me that they are just unable to process this offer. Third, as soon as it is possible to restore any normal services in the area, we will be collecting and sending supplies, as needed. Fourth, there are efforts underway to bring students to this area to attend the University of Kentucky, Transylvania, and possibly other schools. If this happens, I will also be asking for host families. I cannot tell you that when I look at this horrendous combination of natural disaster complicated by human evil that I have any idea what God may be up to. But I can also tell you that at the same time, when I look at the people of the Episcopal Church here in Kentucky, it is very easy to see through to the ultimate goodness and love of God reflected in you and your desire and willingness to help those in need in the name of Christ our Savior. It is no wonder that I love you so deeply. I know it is difficult, but for now, please be patient. Please be generous. And please pray. Faithfully yours,
Stacy F. Sauls Bishop of Lexington Useful Links: |
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