A MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
June 4, 2010
REFERENCE: Resources and Liturgy for your use as the oil reaches our shores
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Now, six weeks into the oil spill crisis in
the Gulf of Mexico, we within the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
prepare for the onset of oil slick, tar balls and oil residue upon our
beaches. The ecological impact of this spill is devastating, for our
wildlife and vegetation and includes impact upon tourism, commercial and
private fishing and the livelihoods of many of our residents. For
those of us who live along the beach, we know that this is not a simple
transitory impact, but one that will last for many years. Various
agencies are offering classes on how to respond to the beach's clean-up
and the wetlands preservation. This biohazard is not to be minimized
and for those who are interested and so moved to assist, it is a prudent
step to take one of these courses.
All of us need to be concerned with the
environmental stewardship we are called to exhibit and how we can impact
what happens, as we work in the beach restoration projects. In the
story of creation, we are reminded that it was God's word that brought
creation into being. It is not incidental that our words can make a
difference as we speak out, not only to assist in the immediacy of this
catastrophe, but also to affect systemic change that seeks to protect
the precious gifts which God has given us to enjoy and use, within the
limits of our ability to not misuse them.
I ask that our
congregations continue to pray for our Gulf, for the people who will
suffer from this disaster in their livelihood, their personal work and
family structures, and for the industries of tourism and fishing, that
stand to loose a great deal.
The Rev. Albert Kennington has
prepared "A Litany for the Gulf of Mexico in the time of crisis." This
document is available as a bulletin insert.
Download it here.
The Rev. Canon
Beverly Gibson, Sub-dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile has prepared
a "Prayer for the Gulf of Mexico."
Download it here
I
invite you to use prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, found
on the pastoral resources webpage offered on
our diocesan website and encourage you to use them abundantly during
this time of crisis, particularly with oil now washing onto our diocesan
shores.
With regard to the
Diocesan Disaster Relief program, I am pleased to announce my
appointment of an Interim Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Diocese,
Mr. Eugene Johnston. Many of you already know Eugene as the Episcopal
Relief and Development (ERD) Coordinator. Eugene has graciously agreed
to step into this new role for Disaster Relief, and
will continue his ERD responsibilities, effective immediately. Please
see contact information for Eugene below.
Let me take this
opportunity to thank Mr. Duane Leifur, who is retiring as our Diocesan
Disaster Relief Coordinator; for his many years of faithful and active
ministry as our Coordinator. As many of you know, Duane was responsible
for the organization, preparation, and enforcement of the Diocesan
Disaster plan and manual, the first in this diocese. Thank you Duane
for your tireless efforts on behalf of the people of the Diocese!
Other related links of interest
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has written about our interconnectedness in a recent article for the Huffington Post. Read it here.
In the wake of the April 20, 2010 oil spill, Episcopal Relief and Development is working
closely with partners to assist those most impacted by this disaster.
Read about it here.
An oil spill resource page is being updated daily on our website and includes status updates, trajectory maps, news resources, news articles, social networking sites about the spill, and photos. Please email our communications director with recommended links you think may of interest to us all.
Contact information for Eugene Johnston:
(251) 478-5354
ejohnston14@comcast.net
I encourage all clergy to use the information provided for the prayers of the people as we move through the oil spill crisis. Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Texas, West Louisiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
Bishop Duncan and Presiding Bishop
Katharine Jefferts Schori talk on the pier of
Beckwith Camp and Conference Center in May, 2009.
Beckwith is located on Weeks Bay, 1/4 mile from Mobile Bay which is threatened by the oil spill.
Photo by Cindy McCrory  |
May God bless us all as we
seek to remember that all gifts come from God and that we are called to
live in relationship with all God's creatures and creation, seeking
justice and witnessing to the power of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bishop Duncan
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