The Very Rev. Dr. Peter Short

September 2005

Following Hurricane Katrina, this pastoral letter was written by the Moderator to the Episcopal Church, USA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Presbyterian Church USA; United Church of Christ; and United Methodist Church.

Dear Friends in Christ,

I write to offer you greetings in the Spirit and solidarity in the work of restoration following Hurricane Katrina. We are aware that you are facing great demands in the midst of this crisis which has served to lay bare a more abiding crisis in the heart of the nation. We are aware because we share the same abiding crisis. We are aware of your representations to Congress, representations that inspire us to continue the struggle for justice in our own country. We are aware, too, that just as the wind and the rain know no borders, so the love of God knows no borders; nor does the vocation to compassion and to turning back what you have called "the tide of poverty."

Therefore, while the people of The United Church of Canada continue to support and participate in the response to Katrina, we want you to know that you, our sisters and brothers in Christ, are in our prayers as you open your hearts and roll up your sleeves on behalf of those who are suffering and displaced.

And speaking of knowing no borders, our work on climate change and its effects on the planet leads us to see the even longer term implications of consumption and "lifestyle" choices we all of us are making today. We have experienced weather events here in Canada, albeit on a smaller scale, such as flooding in Newfoundland and Manitoba and a major ice storm in Quebec and eastern Ontario. These things, along with geological faults on the west coast, lead us not only to wonder about our own preparedness to respond to disaster but about the message the living earth is delivering to its inhabitants.

Please be assured that The United Church of Canada is committed to collaborative advocacy on behalf of those whose meagre resources leave them most vulnerable when disaster strikes. We offer you, across the border, the hand of friendship in Christ and the heart of solidarity in our common quest for an open table of life, a table with a place for all. It is a good thing to love your country, a good thing indeed, but there is no reason for love to stop at the border-at least not any reason that can be justified in the name of the one who crossed boundaries of nationality, clan, gender, religion, and culture to offer healing and the fullness of life.

In his name, the name of Jesus Christ, I send you the heartfelt greetings of The United Church of Canada, along with our gratitude for your great effort and our solidarity in our common cause.

May the grace of Christ find you, the strength of Christ sustain you, and the hope of Christ light your path.

Sincerely,

The Right Rev. Dr. Peter Short
Moderator, The United Church of Canada