JourneyOnline
The Uniting Church in Australia has launched an emergency appeal in response to the devastating impact of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
UnitingWorld, the relief and development agency of the church, will facilitate the appeal. UnitingWorld is in contact with the leadership of the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ), assuring them of the Uniting Church’s prayers and concern.
The UCCJ leaders have asked for the financial support of the Uniting Church in Australia to help provide food and water, medical support, safe shelter and pastoral and counselling services.
President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Alistair Macrae, has encouraged those who want to help to support the appeal.
“Our friends in Japan are suffering through a terrible disaster. We can support them with our prayers and with financial contributions to UnitingWorld’s disaster appeal.
“Australians have consistently demonstrated compassion for those affected by the destructive forces of nature, in the Victorian bush fires, the Queensland and Victorian floods and the earthquake in Christchurch.
“We have an opportunity to express that compassion again for communities recovering from the impact of a ruptured earth and inundated land and now with fears of radio-activity.”
Kerry Enright, National Director, UnitingWorld said, “Our partner, the United Church of Christ in Japan, has facilities that survived the devastation and which sit amid affected communities. These facilities will be centres of care, providing clean water, distributing necessities and offering shelter and pastoral support. The United Church has a remarkable history and is one of Japan’s strongest churches. We can support them as they minister to people in great need.”
More information about the appeal is available on UnitingWorld’s website at www.unitingworld.org.au
Donations can be made to UnitingWorld:
Online www.unitingworld.org.au
Call 1800 998 122
Via mail PO Box A2266 Sydney South 1235
We have also registered the appeal for online fundraising here.
Important Note:
Japan is a developed country and at present UnitingWorld is unable to offer tax deductions for emergency assistance to developed countries. We are applying for tax deductibility for this appeal to assist our partners in Japan, but as the outcome of our application is uncertain we cannot issue tax deductible receipts at this point in time.
