wfn.org | British Methodist leaders offer sympathy to American people

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Sept. 12, 2001 News media contact: Thomas S.
McAnally7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.     10-21-71B{385}
  
By Murray White*

LONDON (UMNS) -- Officials of the Methodist Church in Britain have written
to United Methodist leaders in the United States offering their prayers in
the aftermath of Tuesday's terrorist attacks.

In a letter to Bishop Elias Galvan, president of the United Methodist
Council of Bishops, British Methodist Conference president, the Rev.
Christina Le Moignan, and vice president, Ann Leck, expressed their sorrow
over the loss of life in the attacks.

The two expressed solidarity with all those affected by the tragic events of
Sept. 11.  "Our
hearts go out to you all.  We are holding you all before God."

Recognizing that the U.S. government is faced with difficult decisions in
responding to the acts of terrorism, the British church leaders said, "We
pray for much wisdom for them, and for all leaders in the church, as you
stand with your people in seeking a response that is true to the gospel of
Christ.  May the God of all wisdom, and of all comfort, guide and uphold you
all."

A statement was also issued by Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders,
including Moignan and the Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, a guest
speaker that the 2000 United Methodist General Conference in Cleveland.

"We and all people of good faith and good will-whatever their religious,
ethnic or racial background - are appalled by these terrible attacks on
American cities," the statement said.  "Such evil deeds have no place in the
world we seek to build and share."

Representatives of the three major faith groups said, "We believe that it is
vital amid so much anguish and suffering to nourish all that we hold in
common and to resist all that would drive us apart."  

Moignan echoed the call of U.S. Methodist bishops for prayer vigils to be
held around the world in the wake of the terrorist attacks. The bishops had
called upon Methodists everywhere to "open churches for prayer for wisdom,
comfort and healing."

She said: "Of course, we all feel the need to talk with others about our
response to such a terrible tragedy. But, sometimes, our only response can
be silence, the silence of prayer and contemplation." Churches are starting
to hold prayer services and opening books of condolence across Britain. 

A statement from the United Methodist Council of Bishops said: "It is a time
of national grief and sorrow. It is also a time for gathering, for strength
and for prayer. Our hearts are open to all those who have been personally
affected by this national tragedy. United Methodist churches will be holding
prayer vigils throughout the world tonight and tomorrow night. We invite you
to join us in praying for wisdom, comfort and healing in this difficult
time."

In the wake of the terrorist attacks, people who wish to support relief
efforts in New York and elsewhere in the United States are encouraged to do
so. Church and other agencies in the US are currently drawing up plans for
pastoral care and trauma counseling when the time is right for volunteers to
have access to those affected.

Kirsty Smith, manager of the Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) in
Britain, said her agency is "available to channel any money that people may
want to give to support relief efforts." Contributions will be passed on to
MRDF's U.S. partner, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

UMCOR is coordinating its efforts with the American Red Cross, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and other church agencies. 

Contributions can be made through local United Methodist churches,
designated for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), "Mass Violence
2001," No. 901125-3. Donations also can be made by calling (800) 554-8583.

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*White is Media Relations Officer for The Methodist Church with offices in
London.

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United Methodist News Service
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