September 10, 2010

CHICAGO – All members of Peace Lutheran Church, San Bruno, Calif., are reported safe following the Sept. 9 explosion and fire that resulted in four deaths and destroyed at least 38 homes in the city's Glenview neighborhood, said the Rev. Gail W. Cromack, pastor. Peace is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

The cause of the fire has not been determined fully, according to news reports. What is known is that a natural gas transmission line in the area ruptured, causing an explosion, the reports said. At least 52 people are hospitalized.

Cromack told the ELCA News Service that the church building, located about a block from the explosion site, is still standing. She added that no civilians are being allowed in the area affected today.

Cromack said she and two other members were able to contact all of Peace's members through the night. At least one and possibly more members may have lost homes in the inferno, but they won't know the outcome until people are able to get back into the area, she said.

"It looks like a bomb was dropped," she said. "It (the explosion and fire) has just flattened whole neighborhoods." Cromack said the neighborhood to the north of the church building was destroyed by the explosion and fire.

Many residents of San Bruno are middle-aged and elderly, she explained. "I hope people will pray that those who have been displaced so badly can get some assistance," Cromack said.

The congregation has heard from Lutherans in other parts of the world, as well as from within the ELCA, she said. "Everyone is willing to help," Cromack said.

Cromack expects that the congregation will respond to immediate needs in the neighborhood once members return to the area.

The congregation has found a temporary home for worship services this weekend at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in South San Francisco, she said.

The Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, bishop of the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod, said that his staff will remain in contact with members of Peace Lutheran Church to help provide assistance. He asked for prayers for the congregation and its members.

ELCA News Service