St Andrews Cathedral to open for special prayer for tsunami victims New Year’s Eve

Dean Phillip Jensen has announced that he plans to open St Andrew's Anglican Cathedral for special prayer for victims and countries affected by the recent catastrophic tsunami from 9.00am to 9.00pm tomorrow, 31st December.

Cathedral clergy will be in attendance at the Cathedral throughout the day to offer prayers at particular times and also to offer pastoral support and spiritual counsel to any people who are overwhelmed and burdened. Many people are deeply affected by the disaster, the news stories and the pictures they have seen of the devastating effect of this natural disaster on ordinary people going about their daily life. Any who wish to come and pray and seek comfort are welcomed to come into the Cathedral.

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and large numbers of people will be coming into the city for the celebrations for the New Year. This special time at the cathedral will allow them to spend a short period in prayer remembering the victims of the disaster before they commence their celebration.

Many people may also wish to take the opportunity to come to the Cathedral to pray and to leave a donation for the Tsunami Disaster Appeal while they are there. There will be brief services of prayer held at 12 noon, 1.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm and 8.00pm.

St Andrew's Cathedral is situated on George Street, next to the Town Hall and Town Hall Railway Station.

Archbishop Peter Jensen writes to Sydney Anglican clergy

Archbishop Jensen has written to all clergy of the Diocese of Sydney asking them to make the disaster that has affected so many countries a special focus in their prayers and preaching at all services next Sunday.

"First, I suggest that we pray for the nations involved, for those who are suffering loss and for those who have been injured. A great deal now depends on what is done to offer help and to repair the damage. We ought to pray that appropriate aid will be speedily at hand, that disease will be checked and that there will be no outbreak of lawlessness. Much depends on the efficiency of local government agencies and on the justice with which help is given," Archbishop Jensen wrote.

In commenting to clergy on next Sunday's preaching, the Archbishop wrote "The scriptures provide a rich resource at moments like this, and I hope that you will be giving thought to the theological issues raised by this event. There are many aspects to this, including our common humanity with those who have suffered, our responsibility to help, the need for justice in the distribution of aid and the succour of the victims, the sovereignty, judgements and mercy of God, the tribulations of human experience and the brevity of human life, as well as the need for us to think of our own situation before God.

Archbishop Jensen reminded clergy that parishioners are able to give donations for the relief of those in need through the Archbishop's Overseas Relief and Aid Fund, at PO Box 1416 Parramatta 2124; or by telephoning 1800 653 903; or on the website [url=http://www.anglicare.org.au. ]http://www.anglicare.org.au. [/url];

CONTACT: Margaret Rodgers (mobile) 0411 692 499 (H) 9560 9801

For comment from Dean Phillip Jensen, phone Margaret Rodgers as above or at St Andrew's Cathedral Office 9265 1661

For comment on Archbishop Jensen's Letter to clergy, phone Bishop Robert Forsyth on 0438 148 591