wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Clerk expresses concern for Haiti

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #8154 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

04121
March 4, 2004

Clerk expresses concern for Haiti

Says Presbyterians are praying for democracy, stability, peace

by John Filiatreau

LOUISVILLE - The Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has written a letter to Haiti's
interim president expressing Presbyterians' "deep sorrow" for the Haitian
people.

Kirkpatrick also told Chief Justice Boniface Alexandre, Haiti's interim
president since Jean-Bertrand Aristede was forced into exile, that PC(USA)
members are praying that Alexandre "will be able to secure a future for your
people that bears the marks of democracy, freedom, stability and peace for
all the people of Haiti."

The complete text of the letter:

Interim President, Chief Justice Hon. Boniface Alexandre
Palais national de la Republique d'Haiti
Rue de la Republique
Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Your Excellency:

I am writing to you on behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church (USA), which represents some 2.5 million Presbyterians, to express our
deep sorrow over the crisis in which the Haitian people find themselves. Our
church has been involved in ministries of compassion with the people of Haiti
for many years, including our partnership with the Episcopal Church of Haiti
at L'Hopital St. Croix in Leogane and other of its ministries; therefore, our
prayers for you also carry the personal good wishes of many of our own
members who have been a part of those ministries.

At this critical time of transition, we pray especially for you and those who
join you in leadership, as you work toward a peaceful solution to the
conflicts within your nation. We note with appreciation that this year marks
the time, 200 years ago, when the Haitian people secured their freedom from
slavery and the right to govern themselves. It is our hope and prayer that as
you move toward a resolution to the current governmental crisis, you will be
able to secure a future for your people that bears the marks of democracy,
freedom, stability and peace for all the people of Haiti.

Please be assured that we also commit ourselves to urge our own government,
as well as the leadership of the United Nations, to use all the resources at
their disposal to support you in these efforts.

In Faith and Hope,

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (USA)

cc:	Rt. Rev. Jean Zache Duracin, Bishop of Haiti
	Rt. Rev. Frank	T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop, Episcopal Church,  USA

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