Calls for prayer and support for Syria and Turkey

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland expressed ‘deep sadness’ at the huge loss of life in Syria and Turkey caused by February’s earthquake. Two major earthquakes on February 6, the first of 7.8 magnitude and the second, nine hours later, of 7.5 magnitude, left over 45,000 people dead and over a million people homeless in freezing temperatures. There were several further aftershocks over following weeks, including one on February 20 in which another three people died. The Rt Rev Dr Greenshields said the Church of Scotland held everyone affected by the terrible tragedy in prayer and extended condolences to all those who have lost loved ones.

Dr Greenshields said: “Once again, natural disaster strikes in a place that has already seen the effects of war, climate change and economic disruption aplenty. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the huge loss of life and our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been devastated.

“We can only imagine the distress of those who have found themselves homeless or bereaved and we hold them, and all the emergency responders, in our prayers.

“We too can support our sisters and brothers and I encourage you to do so with prayerful generosity.”

The Church of Scotland’s partner church, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), was involved in the relief efforts in Syria.

The Rev Joseph Kassab, General Secretary of NESSL, said the earthquake had impacted an area where “millions of people” are already living in extreme poverty due to the devastating impact of the long-running Syrian war and currently enduring freezing temperatures.

He said the day after the first earthquake: “Although Aleppo is the most hit by the earthquake, it completely or partially toppled many buildings in the stricken cities of Latakia and Hama and surrounding villages have been destroyed and now completely doomed.

“It is important for the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon now to be close to the people who were affected and are still afraid.

“Of all the disasters that befell us, this one, so to speak, for which we were not prepared.

“In a call with our pastor in Aleppo, he informed me that he opened our Aleppo College to receive all people to take refuge in the school building which is a safe space. “The number reached several hundred.” “Eventually, those people will need mattresses, blankets, and diesel oil for electricity and warmth in the cold winter,” he wrote.

“On behalf of NESSL, I appeal to you due to the extremely exceptional circumstances that the earthquake has imposed on innocent people, who have no other fault than that they live in a politically unstable area and suffer the consequences of the war.

“But today they are suffering more because of the forces of nature that we cannot control.

“Today, we are called to be for them a Christ who went around doing good and pouring out love.”

The Church of Scotland is encouraging supporters to donate to the Christian Aid Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal at www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/ emergencies/turkey-and-syriaearthquake-appeal-mv The World Council of Churches (WCC), of which the Church of Scotland is a member, also expressed ‘heartfelt sympathies and solidarity’, while the ACT Alliance of churches and faith-based organisations said its members were offering help in the region.

The Rev Prof Jerry Pillay, president of the WCC, praised the response of member churches on the ground following the disaster. He said: “Your resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity inspire and encourage us, and we are committed to doing our part in easing the suffering caused by this calamity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate through this challenging period, and we continue to stand in solidarity with you, now as we have always done in the past.”

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake ACT Alliance member church, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East provided food, blankets and mattresses, and medical aid in affected communities in Aleppo, Hama and Latakia. The Middle East Council of Churches, also an ACT member, posted a statement stating that “…all the Churches in the Middle East have put their resources at the disposal of the affected and displaced people due to the earthquake, since the first moments of the disaster…” and that “The Churches in the Middle East, which always supports their people, will spare no effort in doing all they can to relieve their pain and lead them towards prosperity and progress.”