Emergency Response

September 6, 2005

Rev. John L. McCullough
Executive Director & CEO
Church World Service
475 Riverside Dr.
New York, NY 10115

Dear Rev. McCullough:

On behalf of the clergy and members of The United Church of Canada, we extend our sorrow-filled hearts and prayers to our American sisters and brothers whose lives have been so deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding in the Gulf States, particularly Louisiana and Mississippi. Our concern is especially great for those who have lost loved ones, friends, livelihoods, and homes.

We are grateful for Church World Service (CWS) and the work it is doing to support, care for and minister to those in desperate need. As an act of solidarity, The United Church of Canada is presently accepting donations from its members for the relief effort, which we will channel to CWS.

Please know that CWS and its dedicated staff will remain in our prayers through the coming days and months as people return to their communities and begin the process of rebuilding their lives and homes.

Yours faithfully,

The Right Rev. Jim Sinclair
General Secretary
The United Church of Canada