Press Releases12 Nov 13

Us. (USPG) Reports From The Anglican Churches In The Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on Friday 8 November, claiming to date an estimated 10,000 lives and affecting more than nine million people.

Many are struggling to survive without clean drinking water, food, shelter and medicine.

We have contacted both EPC (Episcopal Church in the Philippines) and PIC (Philippine Independent Church) to promise our prayers and support. (Both EPC and PIC are members of the Anglican Communion).

Messages from the church in the Philippines

Floyd Lalwet, provincial secretary of ECP, said: ‘The storm has zeroed in on Western Visayas, where there was death and so much damage. Farmlands and livelihoods have been laid to waste. We await further news.’

Bishop Lito Cruz, of PIC, told Us: ‘Communications have been greatly damaged and we are still gathering information from our dioceses. We are blessed by your concern.’

Sarah Cadiogan, Community–Based Development Programme Officer of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines, said: ‘This disaster is heartbreaking. I can barely watch the TV and read newspapers any longer because I’m struggling to find the courage to see the devastation and suffering in the Visayas.

‘All our prayers for our brothers and sisters in central Philippines. I pray for God’s divine intervention. I pray that God will comfort the people and strengthen them.
Thank you for your prayers.’

Canon Edgar Ruddock, Us Director of Global Networking, said: ‘We know that both ECP and PIC will be responding with energy, compassion and professionalism.’

A prayer for the Phillippines

God of all love and compassion,
In the raging of violent storm and flood
Your people seek your face in vain.
Amid the wreckage now
Of lives, and homes, and cities,
Empower your church in the Philippines
To bring comfort, courage, and hope
To all your hurting people, that may they know
They do not walk alone.
Amen