Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Mission Overseas - HAITI: Moderator's Appeal Letter goes out to congregations today

20th January 2010

Following the Moderator's announcement last week that he was initiating a church-wide appeal for victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, Dr Stafford Carson has today written to all ministers asking them to encourage their members to give generous support to the Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

In commenting on the disaster, the Moderator says:

"We have all seen the pictures of death, injuries and devastation that have followed the earthquake in Haiti. I have launched a special Moderator’s Appeal so that we can support the relief efforts.

Since we have no church partner in Haiti, PCI will be supporting the two Christian agencies, Tearfund and Christian Aid, whom we fund regularly through our World Development Appeal.

I know from first hand experience this past year that these organizations will do an excellent job in seeing that all contributions are used wisely and well for the relief of those who are in greatest need and for the rebuilding of broken lives.

... We need to give as generously as we can to this appeal and to show Christ-like compassion. Don’t leave it to others. We need to respond to God’s call to reach into the dust and debris, to raise up the broken and to clothe the naked."

When congregational contributions are finalised, they should be returned as soon as possible but by not later than the end of February 2010, to:

The Financial Secretary's Office
Church House
Fisherwick Place
Belfast, BT1 6DW

Cheques should be made payable to 'The Presbyterian Church in Ireland'
and clearly marked 'Haiti Earthquake Appeal'.

Where possible, members are encouraged to contribute under the Gift Aid Scheme.

Alternatively, people may give directly to Tearfund or Christian Aid. Details of how to contribute can be found on their respective websites.

PDF Moderator's Appeal Letter to Congregations (214 Kb)
More on Haiti Appeal on the Moderator's blog

More from BBC News:
Strong aftershock shakes Haiti, week after earthquake
Haiti Quake: Survivors' stories
Haiti Earthquake Maps

Update
HAITI APPEAL: Presbyterians raise £579,000!