LWF General Secretary sends pastoral letter to Lutherans in Brazil
(LWI) - “I mourn with you the loss of over 100 people, deceased or missing, and for the many who have suffered injuries, lost their homes, or been displaced,” writes Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary, in a pastoral letter to the leadership of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB).
“In this challenging time, we see the profound impact these events have had on your congregations, the communities you serve, and the church at large,” adds Burghardt. “As members of the Lutheran World Federation, we stand united, as one body in Christ, deeply connected in both joy and suffering. We join you in praying for God’s mercy and comfort for all those in distress.”
Since the beginning of May, southern Brazil, particularly the state of Rio Grande do Sul, has experienced heavy rains and flooding. The unprecedented floods have also submerged much of the state’s capital, Porto Alegre. The city center, including critical municipal institutions, is underwater. The extreme weather has also affected the provinces of Misiones and Corrientes in Argentina and parts of Paraguay.
Burghardt commends the IECLB’s outreach to stand with those affected: “May your acts of service illuminate the path forwards and strengthen the bonds of community.”
The IECLB has responded to the floods by launching a solidarity campaign to help those affected. IECLB Pastor President Sivlia Genz expressed her solidarity and concern for those who are suffering due to these floods: “We turn to God in prayer, crying out for compassion for so many suffering people. Have mercy on us, Lord! Come to our aid and hear our prayer.”
Those wishing to do so can support the IECLB’s solidarity campaign for those hardest hit by the floods.
