Press Releases29 Dec 04

Derry diocese supports Bishops' appeal

DERRY DIOCESE SUPPORTS BISHOPS' APPEAL

In appealing for a generous response to the Church of Ireland Bishops' Appeal for the Indian Ocean tsunami victims, the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Right Rev Ken Good, today paid tribute to what has already been achieved by members of his diocese in their recent response to a diocesan project, Lets Go out of our way for Orissa!

Bishop Good said: "It has been very heartening to see the generous way in which parishioners from all parts of the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe have recently given over 23,000 to the Bishops Appeal for the Indian region of Orissa. The people of Orissa suffered the devastating impact of a super-cyclone not very long ago, and are now, along with millions of others, contending with the horrendous impact of these devastating tsunamis.

Assisted as we are by the media to see the overwhelming scale of human suffering, I know that everyone will do all that they can to help ease the overwhelming sense of pain and loss, and help rebuild peoples lives and communities. I ask that in every parish in the diocese a further opportunity be provided in the near future for parishioners to respond to this urgent appeal."