Saturday 12 March 2011

A Worldwide Church

Today the world's focus is on Japan. Pictures of yesterday's earthquake and Tsunami shown across the globe quickly revealed the extent of the devastation and the power of nature. Our prayers are with all those whose lives have been turned upside down in a moment.

With modern communication and air travel the other side of our world has become closer and more accessible. This morning I am hosting a meeting for all those involved in our diocesan link with Kimberley and Kuruman and, through regular visits and telephone calls, we are able to develop a much deeper relationship than we would have been able to do twenty or thirty years ago. That relationship is practical as well as prayerful.

Tomorrow marks the end of FairTrade fortnight. FairTrade directly benefits 7 million people in 58 developing countries. It is another way that we can connect with our world and support one another. As we meet those from other cultures, or understand more about the personal struggles and triumphs in other parts of the world from the Internet or television screen we can be challenged and changed. Fairtrade is one way we can respond, there are many more ways, these will be made clear to those who gather this morning and, as we think of Japan, will no doubt be highlighted in the days and weeks to come.

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