In a blog post, the church stated, “The Bushfire Crisis here in Australia began several months ago and has escalated beyond what any of us has experienced in living memory.
“Currently, an estimated 12 million hectares
have been burned (almost the size of England), 25 people have lost their lives,
thousands of homes have been destroyed and communities ravaged.
“The outpouring of love, care and concern
and generosity from people from all walks of life both here and overseas, has
been staggering and humbling.
“Our response as a church in any crisis
like this involves a two-fold approach which not just looks after the immediate
needs but also looks to the long-term recovery and wellbeing of those who are
suffering.
“As a church community we have come together over the past few weeks and extended generosity to those suffering and the emergency service workers who are giving up their holidays to work tirelessly to protect homes, land and families in the path of the fires.”
The fires have devastated parts of
Australia, with celebrities donating millions of dollars to fire fighting
services.
Australia’s Prime Minster, Scott Morrison, has said he will consider a Royal Commission into climate change and its effect on the country. Meanwhile, he has thanked the US firefighters flying in to lend a hand.
US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria. Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous & lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude & admiration we all have for their generosity. #NSWRFS@NSWRFSpic.twitter.com/5epg5y4qxX