wfn.org | Omagh bombing: churches called to pray

["EAUK Press Office" <press@eauk.org>]

For Immediate Release: 17th August 1998

Churches across the country are being called to set aside time
next Sunday for specific prayer for all the people of Ireland,
and especially those in Omagh.  

Sir Fred Catherwood, president of the Evangelical Alliance UK and
the former vice-president of the European Parliament, is making
the call in a letter being sent to all churches in membership of
the Alliance, which represents over one million Christians in 30
denominations.

In his letter, he says: "I am sure you share my sense of shock at
the appalling loss of life in Omagh last weekend.  I am writing
to urge you to continue praying for the people of Northern
Ireland and especially those in Omagh.  Please set aside a
special time this Sunday - August 23rd - in corporate prayer for
Northern Ireland."

ENDS

NOTE: A copy of the letter is attached.

For further information, contact Gavin Drake on 0171-207 2117

=================================================
Letter from Sir Fred Catherwood to Evangelical Alliance member
churches ================================================= 17th
August 1998

Dear Friends,

Urgent Prayer Appeal from the President of the Evangelical
Alliance

I am sure you share my sense of shock at the appalling loss of
life in Omagh last weekend.  I am writing to urge you to continue
praying for the people of Northern Ireland and especially those
in Omagh.  Please set aside a special time this Sunday - August
23rd - in corporate prayer for Northern Ireland.

In particular please:

:: Remember all the people of Omagh in our prayers, especially
the bereaved, the injured and others affected by the bomb.  Pray
for healing - not only for those in hospital, but also for the
mental scars and the trauma to be healed.

:: Pray for those Christians and churches in Omagh and
surrounding areas who are offering practical support and help to
the victims, and for David McCarthy, Ken McBride, Heather Boland
and all at the Northern Ireland Evangelical Alliance, that they
will be strengthened in their work. 

:: Pray that the bombing will not undermine the political
settlement and the work of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

:: Pray for wisdom for all those involved in the leadership of
Northern Ireland: for the Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Irish
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, those in the Northern Ireland Office
and all members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

:: Pray for the members of current and former paramilitary
organisations, that they will not retaliate but will instead turn
to a peaceful future.

:: Pray for the perpetrators of this violence, that they may seek
repentance.

It is so easy to pray at times of tragedy and disasters, please
continue to pray for all the people of Ireland in the weeks and
months ahead. 

Yours sincerely,
Sir Fred Catherwood.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Keith Ewing, kewing@eauk.org 
0171 207 2116 or + 44 171 207 2116 

or
Gavin Drake, gdrake@eauk.org
0171 207 2117 or + 44 171 207 2117

Evangelical Alliance UK,
Whitefield House,
186 Kennington Park Road,
London, SE11  4BT

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