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The Bishops of the five dioceses that make of the Ecclesiastical Province of BC Yukon today issued the following pastoral letter.
To the People of the Ecclesiastical Province of B.C. Yukon,
Grace to you and peace through Jesus Christ. Many in the Province of B.C. are still living in urgent situations following the extreme rainfall these past few days, stranded, evacuated from their homes, living without power. Our highways and supply chains are stretched and broken.
We have seen frightening and dramatic scenes of the raging waters and destruction. One example of the anguish and upheaval: Pastoral Elders who fled from the Lytton fire have now been forced to leave their new home in Merritt.
Please join us in prayer:
God of compassion, we pray for all who have suffered losses and trauma because of this storm.
We pray for those stranded or evacuated, and for those who have lost homes and livelihood.
Bless and strengthen those providing food, shelter, and care;
and all first responders and crews still working to rescue people and animals.
We give thanks for the courage and generosity of those responding to the crisis,
for all the acts of neighborliness and kindness.
God of Life, give courage and healing to all who have been affected.
Give all leaders and responders endurance and resourcefulness.
May we each find ways to bring your comfort, hope and calm in the midst of this anxious time.
Strengthen our resolve to make the changes necessary to care for your Earth.
In the name of Christ our healer.
Amen.
God’s peace be with you.
Yours in Christ,
The Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of B.C. Yukon
The Most Rev. Lynne McNaughton, Archbishop
The Rt. Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee
The Rt. Rev. David Lehmann
The Rt. Rev. John Stephens
The Rt. Rev. Lesley Wheeler-Dame
Download a copy of this letter below.