Media Release

Christchurch Bishop urges prayer and support as quakes hit

Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

July 22nd 2013

There is a message of support and prayer from Christchurch, for the people of Wellington and Marlborough, as the swarm of earthquakes continue to hit the centre of the country.

The earthquake that hit on Sunday afternoon occurred as a service of Choral Evensong began at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. The service was ended and the Cathedral emptied as an immediate response to the quake.

The Bishop of Wellington, the Rt Rev’d Justin Duckworth says people come first and church buildings will be checked after family and friends are safe and reassured. Bishop Justin is urging people to make sure others are not alone during a time when all can feel vulnerable.

The Bishop of Christchurch has sent a message of support from a city that has lived with them. The Rt Rev’d Victoria Matthews is urging prayer across the country as a way to support those experiencing the quakes.

Bishop Victoria says, “Earthquakes destroy the illusion we are in control of our environment. The earthquakes make us realize that life is more fragile than we want to admit as more than physical objects get smashed. But in the midst of it all it is possible to reach out and create community, so look for those who are frightened and vulnerable so people know they are neither forgotten nor alone. Also remember the emergency response teams and care givers as their jobs just became much more difficult and they need support and encouragement.”

ENDS

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