To be read in all congregations of the diocese, or otherwise made available to all members by email or other distribution. You can also download a PDF of this Pastoral Letter in English, Spanish and Korean.
October 1, 2024
Dear People of God,
As most of you know Hurricane Helene left death and destruction from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Tennessee. The size and impact of the storm is staggering. The recovery period will be long and require months and years of support. Bishops in dioceses harmed by the hurricane’s ravages are working closely with Episcopal Relief and Development (ER&D) to provide much needed help to their communities of faith.
As a reminder, ER&D is a well-established Episcopal organization providing support to communities affected by injustice, poverty, disaster, and climate change. Their disaster support is robust, proactive, and quick to respond. In times of disaster, ER&D is able to support churches financially, spiritually, and emotionally. Further, due to their connections with diocesan bishops, their response is typically fast and a welcome help in the midst of catastrophic trouble.
Their focus is providing support to bishops, clergy, and their congregations on the ground. They do not wait for their representatives to set up support in a disaster; instead, they are in immediate contact with bishops to collaboratively determine an effective and helpful response.
I have also been impressed by their preparedness. Before Hurricane Ida arrived in our diocese, ER&D had already been in touch with dioceses in the potential pathway to help us prepare for a possible disaster.
I urge all Episcopalians to donate now to ER&D’s disaster fund, and to do so again at Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can do this individually or as a parish. You can donate directly on the ER&D website. While you are on the site take a look at the many ways how Episcopal Relief and Development follows Jesus’ instructions to take care of the least among us.
Please join me in praying daily for those who have lost life, livelihood, and/or their homes. Pray also for emergency responders and disaster response teams.
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen. (BCP p. 134)
Grace and Peace,
The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes
XI Bishop of Newark
