January 15, 2009

Kia ora tatou,

At this time of serious flooding at Nadi, Labasa and other places, Archbishops David Moxon and Brown Turei have asked Anglicans in Aotearoa New Zealand to pray especially for the Diocese of Polynesia in Fiji.

"We encourage Christian communities everywhere to join in prayer each day for those most affected by this disaster.

"We have heard news reports that people have been displaced from their homes, and that many are seeking refuge in church, government and community shelters. There seems no sign of an early end to the flooding.

"We pray daily for the safety of those closest to the rising waters, for the work of those contending with the many effects of this natural disaster, and for the role of the church in the midst of the flooded areas.

"We will continue to offer our personal prayers and will do our best to provide any practical help that may be requested in the days ahead."

Archbishop Brown Turei
Bishop of Aotearoa

Archbishop David Moxon
Senior Bishop of the New Zealand dioceses

Anglican Communion News Service, London