Thursday 24 February 2011

Urgent: News of Christchurch, NZ UUs

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS INFORMATION AS APPROPRIATE TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE

Christchurch, New Zealand, was hit by 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Monday, February 21. Following on the heels of another quake just six months ago, plus many aftershocks, this quake was the most devastating so far, given that the epicenter was only a few miles from the city center.

News from the Unitarian Universalists’ of Christchurch is quite limited at the moment. ANZUUA President Peter Ferguson has been in New Zealand this week, and reported the following from his contact with Derek McCullough, leader of the Christchurch UU congregation, immediately following the earthquake:

"I have spoken to Derek this morning at 8.30 am NZ time. Derek and Rebecca (his wife), his mother and Rebecca's parents are all physically uninjured. Sadly their home has been destroyed by the earthquake, and at this present time they are leaving for safe accommodation in the country."

ICUU President Brian Kiely sent the following message to Derek McCullough and ANZUUA colleagues:
“Dear Derek and all Members and Friends of the Christchurch community,

It is with deep sadness that I learned of the earthquake that struck your homes and your city today. On behalf of your Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist co-religionists worldwide I send our thoughts and prayers on your behalf. Selfishly we hope that no one in your community has been seriously hurt or suffered great damage, but on a wider scale we hold all Christchurch residents in our hearts.

Tragedies like this anywhere in the world stir our emotions, but those feelings are heightened when it happens to people or places we know or have visited.

In the days ahead may things go as right as they possibly can and may you all find some joys to celebrate.”

PLEASE NOTE A “Causes” page has been set up on Facebook and UUs around the world are encouraged to show their solidarity with our sisters and brothers in New Zealand by joining the cause.

You can also make a donation through the “Cause” and all funds donated will be sent on to Christchurch. You can appreciate they will need our assistance, moral and financial, at a difficult time like this.

The Cause Page can be reached by going to the following web page:
http://www.causes.com/causes/583046

The ICUU will post news and follow-up information as it becomes available.

Thinking of our faith colleagues in distress and need,

Kind Regards,

Steve Dick & Jill McAllister