LOUISVILLE — The
Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has written a letter to Haiti’s
interim president expressing Presbyterians’ “deep
sorrow” for the Haitian people.
Kirkpatrick also told Chief Justice Boniface Alexandre, Haiti’s
interim president since Jean-Bertrand Aristede was forced into
exile, that PC(USA) members are praying that Alexandre “will
be able to secure a future for your people that bears the marks
of democracy, freedom, stability and peace for all the people
of Haiti.”
The complete text of the letter:
Interim President, Chief Justice Hon. Boniface Alexandre
Palais national de la Republique d’Haiti
Rue de la Republique
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Your Excellency:
I am writing to you on behalf of the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church (USA), which represents some 2.5 million Presbyterians,
to express our deep sorrow over the crisis in which the Haitian
people find themselves. Our church has been involved in ministries
of compassion with the people of Haiti for many years, including
our partnership with the Episcopal Church of Haiti at L’Hopital
St. Croix in Leogane and other of its ministries; therefore, our
prayers for you also carry the personal good wishes of many of
our own members who have been a part of those ministries.
At this critical time of transition, we pray especially for
you and those who join you in leadership, as you work toward a
peaceful solution to the conflicts within your nation. We note
with appreciation that this year marks the time, 200 years ago,
when the Haitian people secured their freedom from slavery and
the right to govern themselves. It is our hope and prayer that
as you move toward a resolution to the current governmental crisis,
you will be able to secure a future for your people that bears
the marks of democracy, freedom, stability and peace for all the
people of Haiti.
Please be assured that we also commit ourselves to urge our
own government, as well as the leadership of the United Nations,
to use all the resources at their disposal to support you in these
efforts.
In Faith and Hope,
Clifton Kirkpatrick
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (USA)
cc: Rt. Rev. Jean Zache Duracin, Bishop of Haiti
Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop, Episcopal Church,
USA |
