Please pray for Tonga, urges the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon, following the huge volcanic eruption which has hit the small island nation.
Up to 80,000 people are affected after Tonga and other Pacific Islands suffered tsunamis and were covered in ash, also losing power supplies and communication.
Tonga is part of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia, where Bishop Helen-Ann served as a bishop.
In July 2017, she and her husband Myles spent two weeks on the beautiful island, at the invitation of the then Archbishop of Polynesia, Winston Halapua (pictured to the left of her).
“In the past couple of days, Tonga has been struck by a devastating tsunami following the eruption of the nearby underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai,” Bishop Helen-Ann said.
“We have been unable to make contact with friends and former colleagues, and nor have our friends in New Zealand, some of whom have family living in Tonga.
“It is a worrying and anxious time for this nation state, already impacted by the climate crisis: rising sea levels and more extreme weather events,” she added.
“Please pray for Tonga, for its people and communities in these coming days as further news emerges and aid is able to be sent to provide emergency assistance.”
New Zealand has sent air support to the area to assess the damage and its Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the subsequent tsunami had caused “significant damage”.
Recalling her visit in 2017, Bishop Helen-Ann said:
“I helped lead clergy training sessions, and Myles led some music workshops which included a memorable ‘big sing’ of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, sung in Tongan which was a truly amazing experience.
“We made many friends on that trip, with whom we maintain contact and pray for regularly.”