After Fiji flood, churches, Christian agencies help thousands

By David Crampton

CHRISTIAN agencies are assisting thousands affected by last week's severe flooding in the western part of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, which killed six people, including four from one family whose house was buried in a landslide.

Nearly 3,500 people are in 74 evacuation centers run by churches and community groups.

The Fiji interim government has declared a state of emergency in the area.

The 23 January tropical rainstorm submerged buildings and caused FJD$33 million (US$18.7 million) in damage and destroyed half the crops and livestock in the area.

The Ecumenical Center for Research, Education and Advocacy, a non-government agency based in Fiji's capital, Suva, has identified 750 families from small communities around the town of Nadi whose homes are under water.

The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) called on… Read More

A Lever and a Place to Stand: The contemplative stance, the active prayer

By Richard Rohr

Hidden Springs,

New Jersey (2011), RRP $22.95

Reviewed by Bob Warrick.

THE Charge (or Word of Mission) at the end of a worship service usually includes an exhortation to not just have listened and thought,… Read More

Journey asks Kaye Ronalds: What does faith mean to you?

Rev Kaye Ronalds Moderator of the Uniting Church in Queensland

WHAT IS your favourite Christmas symbol? A star? A tree? An angel? A gift?

My favourite Christmas symbol is a tent.

In the first chapter of the gospel of John we read that God took… Read More