Our Sri Lankan link dioceses have appealed for aid to support Christian victims of the Easter bomb attacks which claimed 235 lives.
The Sri Lankan government has now named the terror group National Thowheed Jamath as being behind the atrocity, which destroyed churches and luxury hotels on the island.
Speaking after the tragedy, Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines said:
"We have all been horrified by the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka at Easter.
"Bishop Dhilo of Colombo (pictured with Bishop Nick) is thankful for our love and solidarity in prayer as this beautiful country continues to face political division at the top and insecurity for the populace.
"He will let us know if there are specific practical things we can do to support them in the weeks and months ahead, but for now requests our prayers," Bishop Nick said.
Priorities for aid have now been identified and Bishop Dhilo is asking worshippers in the Diocese of Leeds for financial help for those in need.
Bishop of Kirkstall, the Rt Revd Paul Slater heads the diocesan Sri Lanka link group and said:
“The aftershock of the terrible events at Easter is now being felt as our brothers and sisters struggle with the loss of loved ones, meantime trying to rebuild their lives.
“While the attacks focussed on Catholic churches, the Anglican community is of course providing all the help it can to our fellow Christians.
“And we can help too by funding their efforts to repair such harm in that wonderful, kind country.”
Bishop Paul, pictured with a Christian Tamil family in Sri Lanka, said how Anglican Priest, Chamil Fernando, from the Diocese of Colombo, will be in Leeds next month and will be speaking about the current situation in Sri Lanka at 6pm on Wednesday, June 19 at Church House, Leeds, to which all are welcome.
“The dioceses of Colombo and Kurunagala and the Zion Church in Batticaloa are very slowly returning to a regular pattern of Sunday worship,” Bishop Paul said.
Donations can be made by clicking on the link below which will take you to a dedicated PayPal account for this specific appeal.
The following special prayer for Sri Lanka has been composed by our link group:
We pray for the families of those who lost their lives in the bombings and those who who were injured and are now receiving treatment. You did not abandon your loved ones when the evil acts of men took their lives;
You were with those at St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, St. Anthony’s Shrine, Zion Church, and the three hotels targeted.
We know that You grieve even more than we are able to over what has happened. May the church members continue to find comfort in Your presence,
Please comfort those who are grieving, give peace to those who are afraid, and grant healing to those recovering.
We pray that You would strengthen the Christian community in Sri Lanka; may those brothers and sisters in Christ come alongside one another in support and not fear to meet.
We pray for people across all communities in Sri Lanka to come together repair the damage cause and heal each others hearts. Give them strength for each day, as they rebuild trust and may they look to You for all things.