Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) – The leaders of the Christian communities in South Africa launched an appeal to solidarity for the people of Haiti. “Let us support the People in Haiti with our bread. Haiti’s devastation will need the whole world to respond,” says the statement sent to Agenzia Fides by the National Church Leaders' Consultation (organization formed by leaders of the various Christian Churches in South Africa, including the Catholic Church), which is having its meeting in Stellenbosch.
The document affirms that: “Immediate needs are for food and water. Many other needs will become clear over the next weeks.”
“We ask each Church community to offer prayer for the situation. We also ask that each community consider a special collection for disaster relief in Haiti. Due to transport difficulties, it would be better that immediate contributions from South Africa be financial.”
The Christian leaders appeal to “the International Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank etc) to cancel Haiti’s considerable international debt, allowing the country to make new start. This would be a significant act of compassion.”
“We appeal to President Zuma to drive an African response at the upcoming African Union summit. We commend the South African response. May this service be counted as mercy. We are confident that the People of God in South Africa, united behind this response and with the support of the Government, will be able to show our solidarity with a people in need of our Bread,” the South African Christian leaders conclude. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 19/1/2010)
