Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Almost a year on from the worst natural disaster in Haiti’s history, two Anglican/Episcopal fundraising initiatives demonstrate that the country has not been forgotten.

On 12 January 2010, Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was hit by an earthquake that measured a magnitude of 7.0. Some 300,000 people were killed and much of the capital and its wider area was devastated. There are still 1.5 million people (a figure almost equal to the entire population of Northern Ireland) living under canvas and 300,000 destitute children. In addition to the loss of life and destruction of property, much of Haitian cultural heritage has been lost including the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port-au-Prince which housed many stunning murals.

As the first anniversary of the quake approaches, Churches in Switzerland and Ireland are reminding congregations and visitors of the ongoing needs of the people there by holding a concert and CD launch in October and November respectively.

Geneva’s St Pierre Cathedral, Cour de St-Pierre, is set to host an ecumenical celebration of music and meditation for Haiti on 30 October at 6pm. Featuring the accomplished choirs of the Anglican and Episcopal Churches in Geneva, ‘Psalms for Haiti’ will commemorate those who died in January’s devastating earthquake. The music and accompanying words of reflection will lead event-goers in a spiritual exploration of some of the best- and least-known Biblical psalms.

While entrance is free to all, ‘Psalms for Haiti’ will be making a collection for the reconstruction of Port-au-Prince’s Episcopal Cathedral complex. Personal testimonies and a multi-media display will provide insightful and inspiring information about the wide range of social and educational projects run by the Haitian Cathedral - both before and after the earthquake.

On Saturday, 6th November, at 11.30am, in Armagh Church of Ireland Cathedral, the Dean of Derry, The Very Reverend William Morton, will launch a CD entitled, “Hymns for Haiti” sung by The Lowry Singers with their director, Earl Moffitt and organist Phillip Elliott.
This CD marks the choir’s tenth anniversary but is to be a CD with a difference. All profit from the sale of the CD will be donated to The Haiti Earthquake Appeal. Founded in 2000, The Lowry Singers are now a well-established chamber choir undertaking many engagements including radio broadcasts for the BBC and radio and television broadcasts for RTE.

Everyone is welcome to attend the launch of “Hymns for Haiti” on Saturday 6th November at 11.30am in Armagh Cathedral. All profits go to support Haiti. CD’s cost £12 or 2 for £20.
For more information about the Geneva concert contact Ruth Foley or Katie Foot, Email: psalmsforhaiti@gmail.com, mobile: +41 764 231 332 or +41 79 759 0699. For further information or photograph of the Lowry Singers please contact Earl Moffitt, Choir Director, Mob: 07764 511939.

Notes to Editors:

• Supporters of ‘Psalms for Haiti’ - Originally initiated by Anglicans and Episcopalians living in Geneva, ‘Psalms for Haiti’ is supported by the many different Churches and Christian communities based in the city. It also has the full support of the Bishops of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe and of the Diocese in Europe (Church of England), as well as the Bishop of Haiti, Mgr Jean Zaché Duracin.
• Association anglicane pour la reconstruction de la Cathédrale épiscopalienne de la Sainte Trinité en Haïti (ARCH) - To facilitate the transparent collection and transfer of funds raised by events such as ‘Psalms for Haiti’, a Swiss Association was founded in August 2010. In English, the organization’s name translates as ‘Anglican Association for the Reconstruction of the Episcopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Haiti’.
• For all donations, ARCH’s Swiss postal (CP) account number is 12-862280-5. Account name: ARCH; Address: 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland; Bank: PostFinance; IBAN: CH55 0900 0000 1286 2280 5; BIC/SWIFT code: POFICHBEXXX.