Beirut explosion: letter to the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem
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“The Anglican Diocese of Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) was devasted to hear news of the terrible explosion that struck Beirut on Tuesday evening killing scores of people and injuring thousands of others, with hundreds of thousands left homeless,” writes Bishop Cam Venables in his letter to the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem
7 August 2020
The Most Reverend Suheil S. Dawani
Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem
Dear Archbishop Suheil
The Anglican Diocese of Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) was devasted to hear news of the terrible explosion that struck Beirut on Tuesday evening killing scores of people and injuring thousands of others, with hundreds of thousands left homeless.
As fellow members of the Anglican Communion we extend our heartfelt condolences to those in your Diocesan community in Beirut who are affected directly or indirectly by the explosion.
We thank God for news (according to the All Saints’ Church Facebook page) that while the All Saints’ Church sustained structural damage, the church’s international and Arab congregation members are safe and uninjured.
We stand in prayerful solidarity with first responders and hospital medical and administrative staff who are simultaneously dealing with the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We understand that the blast also has the potential to impact the supply of food and other essential items, with already at-risk groups, such as refugees, finding themselves increasingly vulnerable.
As such, we will be encouraging members of our Diocesan community to donate to aid agencies who are on the ground courageously responding to humanitarian needs.
We continue to hold all people in Lebanon and The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem in our prayers at this incredibly traumatic time.
Yours in Christ
The Right Reverend Cameron Venables
Archbishop’s Commissary
Editor’s note: The Anglican Board of Mission has launched a Beirut Emergency Appeal. All donations are tax deductible. If you are able to give to this appeal to help the people of Lebanon during this traumatic time, please visit the Anglican Board of Mission appeal webpage.
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