In a letter to all Victorian clergy the Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier has written of his sense of disbelief “about the enormity of the devastation in Victoria”:
“We think of those who have lost their lives, those under care in hospitals, of those waiting for news of family and friends, those now homeless and the many still threatened by fire. The loss of property, while secondary, is beyond imagination, with homes, businesses and even whole townships destroyed,” he said.
“Our hearts go out to all affected, now and in the coming weeks, and we pray that in the midst of the blackness and grief, God’s healing presence will sustain those caught up in the firefighting, the recovery, the identification, all emergency services personnel – from front line firefighters to the police, paramedics, ambulance and medical staff, volunteers, aid agencies and chaplains - all of whom have given so courageously and self sacrificially.”
Their bravery and compassion are a great example to us all, he said.
“We acknowledge the community spirit which is binding and supporting the thousands whose lives have been changed by the events of these last days.”
“I pray for all who minister in the Diocese and for the community at large, all confronted by the immensity of this tragedy. Never forget that God is with us in our grief, our pain and our despair.”
Here in Rockhampton we are collecting money through the Parish to send to the Melbourne Diocesan Appeal which will be used to help people on the ground through the work of Anglicare Victoria.
Brilliant Cameron. *claps loudly.
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