Bishop's Hurricane Appeal 2019

The Feast of the Martyrs of New Guinea
2 September 2019

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As I write this letter, Hurricane Dorian remains almost halted over Grand Bahama wreaking catastrophic damage. The pictures that are coming out of the Abacaos, which were laid waste on Saturday and Sunday, are incomprehensible in the destruction that they show. We wait for clearer news from Grand Bahama.

Our diocese always responds so generously to the needs of our neighbours and I remember with such gratitude your response during other times like these. Three years ago we raised more money for hurricane relief than we had ever raised before, and our gifts made a significant difference for those in need.

Today we must respond once again. We hope to raise $50,000 by the beginning of next week to send to the Bishop of the Bahamas. Our immediate action will allow him direct critical help to individuals and families in the Abacos and Grand Bahama. The Bishop and his colleagues can reach people at this point in ways that no one or no other agency can, and our response will enable him to reach out with practical and life-saving help.

I am asking each congregation to take part in this appeal, so the Bishop and his clergy and people will know that every community in the Diocese of Southeast Florida responded to help our sisters and brothers in our companion Diocese of the Bahamas. It does not matter what you give; but it matters hugely that we each do what we are able.

I am grateful to Rhonda Clinton, the Executive Director of Episcopal Charities, who will be working with me to co-ordinate our diocesan-wide response. I am also grateful to the Deans for their leadership of our response. They will be reaching out to the clergy and wardens in the deaneries.

You are welcome to give as is best for you, but I encourage everyone to give through your congregations. This is much the strongest witness, when we act together.

Individuals who wish to do so may give directly via the website of the Diocese. Click here to be taken to the Donation page, and please put Bishop’s Bahamas Appeal in the box for your gift. You may also give to this appeal through Episcopal Charities by clicking here. Please put Bishop’s Bahamas Appeal in the Additional Comments area.

Checks can be made out to The Diocese of Southeast Florida and sent to:

The Bishop’s Office
525 NE 15th Street
Miami, FL 33132

Please put Bishop’s Bahamas Appeal in the memo line.

There will be further need but we must respond immediately with this crucial financial support. Please remember that the pressing need is not for things, but for money. There will be time for other kinds of appeals, but for now we need to get funds to those who can help in person. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rhonda at Episcopal Charities by email at ​rhonda@ecsefl.org or by calling (954) 334-0105.

The people of the Bahamas are not just our neighbours; they are our family. As companion dioceses, we have a fundamental commitment to each other’s well-being, spiritual as well as financial. We have been uniquely tied to each other for centuries, and so many of our own faithful have family, friends, and other significant relationships there.

I continue to be grateful for our life together and know we can make an immediate and life-saving difference together. I thank you personally and on behalf of those suffering from devastation this day.

With love and prayers,