On behalf of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, we commit ourselves to deep prayer for the people of Japan as they face the grim consequence of their earthquake and tsunami.

Because we have so recently tasted the tragic and long-term consequences that earthquakes can bring, we can just begin to comprehend what it must be like to experience an earthquake and tsunami of the magnitude of the one Japan has faced.

We pray especially for Nippon Sei Ko Kai, the Anglican Communion in Japan, for the Archbishop, the Most Reverend Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu, the clergy and people. As they respond to the tragedy, may they be strengthened by God's healing love. 

As the world comes to Japan’s aid, we pray too for all those responding so courageously and decisively to that stricken country now.

In normal times, the lives of people in Japan and in these islands are closely bound together by commerce, by shared interest and by ever-closer personal relationships.

Sadly, tragedy has brought us closer together still: and we know that families in Japan are already grieving intensely because they have lost children, brothers and sisters and relatives in the Christchurch earthquake.

What affects the people of Japan so deeply, therefore, affects us deeply. 

Along with world and church leaders and the people of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, we pray for Japan and for all those who mourn there.

Archbishop Brown Turei 
Pihopa o Aotearoa 

Archbishop Winston Halapua
Bishop of Polynesia 

Archbishop David Moxon
Senior Bishop of the New Zealand dioceses.