Missions agency expresses support for Russians after tragedy Sept. 7, 2004 By United Methodist News Service United
Methodist missions leaders say they are "sick to our souls" for the
people of Russia, following terrorist attacks that killed more than 450
people. The
Board of Global Ministries extended sympathy and support for Russia in a
Sept. 7 statement, "A Message to Russian United Methodists and Their
Neighbors in a Time of Trial." Bishop Joel N. Martinez of San Antonio,
board president, and the Rev. R. Randy Day, top staff executive, signed
the statement. "The
directors and staff of the General Board of Global Ministries join
hands in faith with United Methodists and their neighbors in Russia in
this time of suicide and terrorist attacks that bring fear and
uncertainty to your nation and daily life," Martinez and Day wrote. "We
are sick to our souls in the loss of lives at the school in Beslan,"
they said. "Ministry to children and youth is among our mission
priorities. The killing and wounding of children, youth and their
teachers brings tears to our eyes and pain to our hearts. We are praying
for the families of the victims, and we stand with the Russian people
in this time of national mourning. Our entire staff is joining today in
prayers of remembrance for the victims." The
United Methodist Committee on Relief, a unit of the board, will send
school kits and health kits to the Beslan area, said Linda Beher, the
relief agency’s communications director. Assembling the kits is a good
project for a congregation or church school class, she said.
Instructions can be found by going to www.umcor.org and clicking on the "Kits" link.
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Bishop Joel Martinez |
More than 350 people -
at least half of them children - were killed Sept. 3 in the tragic
climax to a three-day hostage crisis at a school in Beslan. A group of
militants had seized the school in southern Russia and reportedly
demanded independence for the republic of Chechnya, where separatist
rebels and Russian troops have been locked in conflict for several
years. The hostage crisis ended with a gun battle between the 30 or so
militants and Russian security forces. Most of the hostages died in the
gunfire or as a result of explosions caused by the militants.The
Board of Global Ministries said it also remembered the victims and
families of people who died in other incidents leading up to the hostage
crisis-two airplane crashes on Aug. 24 that killed 90 people and an
Aug. 31 suicide bombing on a subway that killed 10. All of the incidents
are believed linked to the war in Chechnya. Martinez
and Day said the agency is praying for the United Methodist Church’s
leaders in Russia, including Bishop Ruediger Minor, based in Moscow. "We
also send our sympathy and loving greetings to the Russian Orthodox
Church, which is our ecumenical partner through the World Council of
Churches," they said. Martinez leads the United Methodist Church’s San Antonio Area. Day is based in New York. News media contact: Tim Tanton, Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org. The full text of the statement follows: A Message to Russian United Methodists and Their Neighbors In a Time of Trial Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ, the One who upholds and sustains us at all times and in all places. The
directors and staff of the General Board of Global Ministries join
hands in faith with United Methodists and their neighbors in Russia in
this time of suicide and terrorist attacks that bring fear and
uncertainty to your nation and to daily life. - We feel your pain for, as St. Paul reminds us, Christians form "one body" and all members suffer together.
- We
are sick to our souls in the loss of lives at the school in Beslan.
Ministry to children and youth is among our mission priorities. The
killing and wounding of children, youth, and their teachers brings tears
to our eyes and pain to our hearts. We are praying for the families of
the victims and we stand with the Russian people in this time of
national mourning. Our entire staff is joining today prayers of
remembrance for the victims.
- We
also remember the victims and families of those who died in late August
airplane crashes and the attack on an underground railway.
- We
are praying for the safety of each of you and for an end to the acts of
individuals and groups that indiscriminately kill, injure, and threaten
adults and children.
- We
rejoice in the witness and Christian service that you and your leaders
provide to your nation and communities. We are sure that you, acting for
all United Methodists through the world, are reaching out whenever
possible to bring comfort and healing to those most directly affected by
the attacks.
- We are praying for your lay leaders, pastors, district superintendents and your episcopal leader, Bishop Ruediger Minor.
- We
also send our sympathy and our loving greetings to the Russian Orthodox
Church, which is our ecumenical partner through the World Council of
Churches.
May
God give all in Russia a strong hope and a resolve in love to bring the
Gospel of peace, justice, and salvation to your land, as all of us
together seek to be messengers of the Divine Word that is our common
light for the future. Amen. Bishop Joel N. Martinez of San Antonio
President The Rev. R. Randy Day
General Secretary General Board of Global Ministries
The United Methodist Church
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