Wales: Archbishop visits flooded areas, sends message of solidarity to parishes

Archbishop George Stack

Devastating floods in Wales have wrecked hundreds of people's homes and businesses. Four areas in the Diocese of Cardiff: Caerphilly, Monmouth, Ross on Wye,Treforest and Mountain Ash have particularly badly affected.

The Archbishop of Cardiff, Most Rev George Stack has visited Treforest/Pontypridd - (where the Prince of Wales visited later) - and sent the following letter of solidarity to parishes:

You do not need me to tell you that the whole of the British Isles has been battered by wind and rain of almost apocalyptic power in recent weeks! Wales has been particularly hard hit, not least because of its geographical location on the western side of the country.

The heavy storms from the south west which begin in mid Atlantic hit landfall first of all in Cornwall and then on our own doorstep. I felt the full force of the winds with the cancellation of my flight to America for the recent meeting of the International Commission for English in the Liturgy. There was a quid pro quo on the return flight with it due to last for seven hours forty minutes. Assisted by strong winds we crossed the Atlantic in six and a half hours. It was a bumpy ride!

I write to express my solidarity with the people of Monmouth and Ross and Wye as well as the surrounding areas. I know they have been affected by the flooding from the River Wye. The threats to life, homes and other property are a telling reminder of the power of nature and make the debates about ecology and global warming very real. Please assure your people of my kindest thoughts and prayers and the support of the parish and Diocese should it be needed.

Archbishop George has also sent out this prayer in a forthcoming Ad Clerum for use in churches of the Diocese:

O God, to whose commands all the elements give obedience,
We humbly entreat you,
That the stilling of fearsome storms may turn
A powerful menace
Into an occasion for us to praise you.

Amen.