Message about Japan from the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia

Diocese of Olympia, Special Edition

Prayers for Japan

March 10, 2011

Dear Ones,

By now, you all have heard of the devastating earthquake off the coast of Japan, some in this diocese may even be seeing evidence of it in rising water. 

We pray for all the people of Japan, and all those who will be affected by the path of the subsequent wave. 

I know there are those who have family directly affected and we pray for them as they eagerly await word.

I received the following, early this morning from the Presiding Bishop's Office:

"We ask your prayers for the people of Japan and surrounding areas in the Pacific Rim following the earlier earthquake and tsunami. I have been in touch with Archbishop Nathaniel Uematsu of the Nippon So Ko Kai, who was in meetings in Kyoto during the time of the earthquake and is now in Osaka trying to communicate with the areas most affected by the devastation. He asks for prayers for Bishop John Kato and the people of the Diocese of Tohoku, which has been hit hardest.

Our office continues to be in touch with Episcopal Relief & Development, as well as with Lambeth Palace. Your prayers and support are deeply appreciated, for Japan, as well as for all those in the Pacific Rim under a tsunami alert."

My Lambeth Conference group had a large portion of the Japanese bishops as part of it.  They were amazingly gracious and I thought immediately of them when I first heard of the quake last night.  

As I hear of ways to respond I will offer them.  As of this time I do not have any such information.

Blessings,

+Greg

The Right Reverend Gregory Rickel
Diocese of Olympia
.