WCC NEWS: Churches reach out with care, prayers as Tonga copes with aftermath of volcanic eruption, tsunami

Churches from the Pacific Islands and across the world continued to voice their prayers of support and care as Tonga copes with the aftermath of the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano on 14 January, which triggered 15-metre tsunami waves that hit the archipelago. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 20 January 2022 Fiji and many other Pacific islands and Pacific Rim countries were also affected by the tsunami and tidal surges that followed the eruption.  “The current situation is unclear as most outside communication is disrupted and only satellite phone is accessible to a few,” said Rev. James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches.  In a statement shared on social media, Lord Fakafanua, speaker of the House in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, wrote:  “On January 15, 2022, following an unprecedented volcanic eruption, a devastating tsunami struck the Kingdom of Tonga. Many areas were also affected by substantial volcanic ashfall.” Lord Fakafanua further shared that communications remain down and the full extent of the harm to lives and property is currently unknown. “What we do know is that Tonga needs immediate assistance to provide its citizens with fresh drinking water and food,” he wrote. “More details on Tonga's official disaster relief fund will be announced shortly so that those looking to help can contribute directly to Tonga's relief efforts.” On 17 January, the New Zealand and Australian governments prepared immediate relief support.  “In the meantime, please continue to pray for Tonga and our Pacific household of God in these challenging times of activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire, cyclone season, COVID-19, all continuing to be exacerbated by climate change,” said Bhagwan. In a pastoral letter to church leaders and all people in Tonga, World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed consternation and a sense of solidarity.  “The emission of volcanic ash has impacted the lives of people and we are not yet sure of the dire consequences,” he wrote. “In the midst of the chaos, and still so many uncertainties, be assured of the constant prayers of the worldwide ecumenical movement—we pray for you and we stand with you in solidarity amid this terrifying disaster.” Sauca prayed for God’s mercy on the whole population, on the rescue workers and first responders at the scene and all whose lives are threatened by these events. “We pray that God might guide the churches and the political bodies responding to the needs of the people as those needs change in the coming days,” he wrote. “We pray that no more eruptions will happen in the next several days to weeks, and no new tsunami may develop.” In the face of these seemingly insurmountable challenges, Sauca encouraged Tongans to not lose hope.   “We pray that the love of Christ will motivate believers everywhere to be in prayer for you and to also be a source of help and strength to you at this time,” Sauca wrote. “May the peace of God reign in your hearts and may your faith be strengthened so that even during this difficult season the presence of the almighty God will sustain you.”  WCC extends prayers for Tonga in wake of volcanic eruption (WCC press release 17 January 2022) WCC pastoral letter to churches in Tonga, January 2022 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland