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Christian Conference of Asia
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AN APPEAL FROM CCA FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMSDear friends: The death and destruction across the coastal areas of several south and southeast Asian nations caused by the deadly tsunami triggered by an earthquake off the Sumatra island in Indonesia on the morning after the Christmas Day in 2004 has plunged the entire region in shock and grief. More than 75,000 people have been killed and several thousands rendered homeless, become destitute and their properties destroyed in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia and Maldives. Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka are the worst hit. In Indonesia alone, which is close to the epicenter of 26 December earthquake that measured 9 on the Richter scale, more than 45, 000 people have been killed in one of the worst natural disasters in several decades. Thailand, Bangladesh and Maldives have also suffered a huge human tragedy. The death toll keeps rising day by day and it could be several days or weeks before an exact figure of the casualty is available. The tsunami-hit areas in Asia call for well-coordinated relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. People belonging to all sections of society must join hands in responding to this challenging situation and contribute generously to lessen the pain and suffering. The Christian Conference of Asia joins the nations and people all over the world in mourning the death of thousands of people. It expresses heartfelt condolences and solidarity to all those who have lost their near and dear ones, hard earned assets and valuable properties. The CCA also asks God's blessings, guidance and protection on all those who have become a victim to this fury of nature. On behalf of the CCA, I would like to appeal to the churches, church-related organizations, faith-based NGOs and civil society as a whole in the region to come out and mitigate the pain and suffering of the people. I also urge them to relate to the communities in crisis due to this natural disaster and help rebuild their lives. Efforts are needed to ensure that widespread diseases do not occur as an aftermath, and people are provided clothes, shelter, sanitation, medicine, food and clean drinking water. The extent of devastation is so vast that the respective governments' efforts must be supported by all sections of the society. If you need any information about how to make your donations or how to participate in the effort to provide relief to the people, please contact the following: Rev. Richard Daulay General Secretary Communion of Churches in Indonesia Tel: +61-21-390-8120 / 315-0451 / 315-0455 Fax: +62-21-315-0457 Email: pgi@bit.net.id Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Thidas Peiris General Secretary National Christian Council of Sri Lanka Tel: +94-11-693-760 / 671-723 / 671-722 (GS) / 696-701 (AGS) Fax: +94-11-671-721 Email: nccslsec@sltnet.lk Rt Rev D K Sahu General Secretary National Council of Churches in India Tel: +91-712-253-1312 Fax: +91-712-252-0554 Email: nccindia_ngp@sancharnet.in Rev. Dr. Sint Kimhachandra General Secretary The Church of Christ in Thailand Tel: +66-2-236-9400 / 236-2900 / 233-2750 Fax: +66-2-238-3520 Email: cctecume@loxinfo.co.th Rev. Smith N. Za Thawng General Secretary Myanmar Council of Churches Tel: +95-1-513-579 / 723-376 Fax: +95-1-296-848 / 526-982 Email: oikom@yangon.net.mm Mr. Subodh Adhikary General Secretary Bangladesh National Council of Churches Tel: +880-2-933-2869 / 418-996 Fax: +880-2-831-2996 Email: nccb@bangla.net Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri General Secretary Council of Churches of Malaysia Tel: +60-3-7956-7092 Fax: +60-3-7956-0353 Email: cchurchm@tm.net.my Thank you, AHN Jae Woong General Secretary posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 30, 2004 A Christmas Message from the Officers of the CCA"Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11, NRSV) Just as the first Christmas happened at a time of great fear and uncertainty, so this year's Christmas comes at a time of continuing threat to life's dignity, security and sustainability in the wake of massive poverty, widespread unemployment, increasing incidence of violence, not only against humanity but also against the whole web of life including ecology. It is significant that the first Christmas message should begin with the statement, "Do not be afraid" for the peace of imperial Rome did not bring about true peace for the people who were colonized, devastated, and impoverished. Still today, the peoples in Asia have to contend with imperial powers and dominating tendencies within as well as between their countries. It is significant that the first Christmas message to the people should begin with, "Do not be afraid" for the good news promised reversals in the state of things, and that would have been upsetting to the status quo. Yet the good news is too hard to come by these days in the midst of advanced information technology but also the proliferation of misinformation and false information, if not lack of information. It is significant that the first Christmas message should begin with "Do not be afraid" for the sharing of the good news of fullness of life for all people requires enduring faithfulness, daring commitment and courageous risk-taking. We hope that the member churches and national councils of churches of the Christian Conference of Asia will indeed find strength and hope in this assurance, call and challenge "not to be afraid" and so participate in the life and work of the Messiah and bearer of the good news not only during this Christmas season but also into the New Year. As we look forward to 2005, may we indeed be assured of the gift of peace that Christ gives. It is a gift, which is also our task, as we commit ourselves together to "Building Communities of Peace for All". Wish you a meaningful Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and grace! Members of the Presidium Jennifer Dawson (Aotearoa--New Zealand) Wong Wai Ching (Hong Kong) Joseph Mar Irenaeus (India) Anthony Row (Malaysia) Honorary Treasurer Israel Paulraj (Sri Lanka) General Secretary Ahn Jae Woong (Korea) posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 01, 2004 |
