From the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town

An appeal for prayers and for practical aid for the people of the South Pacific Ocean in the wake of Cyclone Pam has been issued by Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Chair of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network.

In a statement issued from Cape Town, Archbishop Makgoba said:

“Having just hosted a meeting of eco-bishops from around the Communion*, including Bishop Api Qiliho from Fiji, the network is particularly aware of the threat posed by climate change to the people of the South Pacific.

“We have been shocked by the devastation wrought by Cyclone Pam, particularly in Vanuatu in the neighbouring Province of Melanesia.

“Our prayers go out to the families of those who have died, to those who have been displaced and to those who have lost their homes and property.

“We pray too for Bishop James Ligo of Vanuatu and his people, and for those providing shelter and helping to relocate the homeless. We urge Anglicans to respond to appeals for practical help.”

Read more about Anglican/Episcopal response to Cyclone Pam and find out how to help.

*Sixteen “eco-bishops” – Anglican Communion bishops from various countries impacted by climate change – met in Cape Town in February to draw up a strategic plan to address climate change and raise awareness throughout the global Anglican Church. The action plan from the meeting will be released in the coming days.