Bishops Across North and South Carolina Share Hurricane Florence Message

By Bishops from North and South Carolina

The bishops from across North and South Carolina shared a message on Hurricane Florence, the first aftermath days and how you can help (and stay safe).

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We greet the Church from our dioceses in the Carolinas, and we thank you for your prayers before, during and after Hurricane Florence. Our region has suffered considerable damage, and the path of the storm has affected all of our dioceses in varying ways. Our hearts go out to those who are suffering and to the grieving families who have lost loved ones.

We are assessing the damage to our communities, which as you will know from news reports, varies widely. Conditions will continue to change for days due to rising rivers. For the present, we ask you not to send goods or travel to this region to help. The infrastructure in many places cannot support those who are here, let alone others. In the hardest hit places, there is a shortage of accommodation. Gas, food and water are in short supply. And with downed power lines in many places and curfews remaining in force, it is not safe.

We encourage you to send your donations to Episcopal Relief & Development and to the funds of our individual dioceses as directed from our websites. Please also sign up for Ready to Serve with Episcopal Relief & Development, as we shall need your help later.

We are blessed by your prayers and assurances of support and give thanks to God for you. As the Body of Christ, you give us tremendous strength and encouragement.

+Rob Skirving
The Diocese of East Carolina

+Sam Rodman
The Diocese of North Carolina

+Anne Hodges-Copple
The Diocese of North Carolina

+Skip Adams
The Episcopal Church in South Carolina

+Andrew Waldo
The Diocese of Upper South Carolina

+José A. McLoughlin
The Diocese of Western North Carolina