Diocesan News25 Nov 09

Pastoral Message On The Flooding From The Bishop Of Cork

Pastoral Message to the People of Cork from the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross - Bishop Paul Colton - in response to the Flooding 

No words can adequately express the sense of devastation being experienced by many in Cork City and County at this time.  The same is true of other parts of our country which are being catastrophically affected by the floods of the past week and these days.
 
Alongside the utter destitution of homes and livelihoods – commercial and agricultural – there is the vulnerability of those, particularly the young, housebound, elderly and ill who find themselves without usable water in their homes.
 
Many are re-discovering the value of neighbourliness, friendship and community life at this time.  The disaster is affecting thousands without regard to the usual differences in society that we have become accustomed to: rural and urban, immigrant and native, employed and unemployed, rich and poor – are all affected and are facing the challenges of these times together.
 
I have been particularly conscious in recent days of the extraordinary efforts and the extra mile to which local authorities, professional services and voluntary groups have been going to assist the most vulnerable in our society.
 
With my colleagues in the Diocese, I offer the solidarity of the Church of Ireland throughout County Cork through our parishes, clergy and local volunteers, as well as our prayers for everyone who is suffering.   My prayer is that in showing practical support for each other, we can support one another with the hope of better days ahead.
 
The Diocesan Website – www.cork.anglican.org - contains on-going updated links to the Civic Emergency information on the Cork City Council Website (which is serving Cork County at present also)  www.corkcity.ie. The Civic Emergency freephone number is 1800 283 034.

ENDS