Thursday 16 November 2006

By Catholic Communications Melbourne

A national day of prayer for rain will be held on Sunday 26 November 2006 to help break the current Australian drought.

The prayer day has been organised by Christian church leaders, who acknowleged the calls to pray for rain from various church groups at a meeting in Sydney last week.

Anglican Archbishop Phillip Aspinall invited all Australians to pray for those who are severely affected by the drought, as well as a commitment to responsibly care for all our natural resources.

“We invite all Australians to express their solidarity with those who are suffering by taking a few moments to pray or to join a local worship service where prayers will be offered,” he said.

President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Philip Wilson urged people to remember the economic implications the drought has on farmers and small businesses.

“At a time when our political leaders and climate experts are giving close attention to the economic consequences of this drought, we should remember the many people on farms and in small businesses who are suffering often in a deeply personal way," Archbishop Watson said.

"Local churches are already providing practical and personal support, and will continue to do their utmost. Our prayer shows that Australians stand together in the face of adversity."

Australian Uniting Church President Reverend Gregor Henderson, President of the Uniting Church in Australia said that God's guidance on how to better manage our water resources needed to be sought through the day of prayer.