We, Church leaders of Southern Africa and of the South African Council of Churches, are grieved at the appalling loss of life and the extent of the tragedy caused by the "seaquake" and resultant tsunami. We offer our sincerest prayers of support, love, comfort and condolences to those families and nations who have suffered loss. Our hearts go out especially to the poor and children who have borne the brunt of this disaster.

We understand that many may question the role of faith in circumstances such as these. We believe, however, that all people of faith are called to stand together in the midst of natural disasters. Faith is the bonding agent that enables humanity to triumph over the worst of adversity.

The facts of the situation are that this "seaquake" is the world's strongest in forty years. Since the quake took pace in the Indian Ocean, an area 5,5 times bigger than the United States of America, its effect was greatly amplified. Travelling at speeds in excess of 540 kph, the tsunami has devastated large parts of the Asian and African coastlines and islands. As we meet, we believe that the death toll may eventually exceed 100 000. The enormity of this disaster and a tragedy of unprecedented human scale present a challenge to all humanity. In the light of these circumstances, we commend the Minister and Department of Foreign Affairs for the outstanding example that they have set us as a nation.

We pledge ourselves to seek immediate and longer term relief for those who are affected. We also call on all Christians to individually and collectively commit themselves to pray for those afflicted and to support the Churches' Emergency and Relief Fund.

Recognising that most Churches will have a Service to mark the end of 2004, we request that a moment of silence be observed in order to express our grief and solidarity with those who have suffered and continue to suffer. We further call for a Special Collection to be taken on the first Sunday of 2005 as a contribution toward the Churches' Emergency and Relief Fund. We appeal to all who are able to respond immediately to deposit their donations in the following account:

SACC Emergency Relief Trust,
Account Number 1979 410 526,
Nedbank, Fox Street Branch, Branch Code 190805

Contact persons:
Rev. Dr. Molefe Tsele, General Secretary, SA Council of Churches (0824582037)
Mr. Eddie Makue, Deputy General Secretary, SACC (082 853 9781)

Issued by:
Professor Russel Botman, President of the SACC;
Bishop Ivan Abrahams, Chair of the Church Leaders' Forum and Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of SA;
The Reverend Dr. Coenie Burger, Executive member of the SACC and Moderator of the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk