Document
Letter to the president of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy, Rev. Luca Negro
Dear Luca,
We are saddened as the numbers of wounded and dead people among the victims of the earthquake that hit central Italy yesterday night are still rising. This grief is compounded by the images of the devastating destruction of villages and the stories of survivors mourning for loved ones they lost and for others they still hope to be rescued out of the rubble. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the people who lost family members and friends. We thank God for all those who come to help and continue to search for those who might be still alive.
We call on sisters and brothers in the global fellowship of churches to pray for the bereaved families of those who are killed and injured and affected with their loss of property due to this devastation. We want to assure you and the leaders and members of the churches of the Federation that we are ready to accompany you as in the recent past after the earthquake that destroyed the city of Aquila.
We gather with all of you under the cross of Christ. In Christ we take refuge and find hope in the middle of such death and despair. May Christ be with you all and strengthen you as you face the consequences of this natural disaster.
Yours in Christian solidarity,
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary
