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A letter from Bishop Dean E. Wolfe
in response to the Greensburg tornado and area flooding

May 7, 2007

Dear Friends,

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
And though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2

Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones in the tragic tornado that struck Greensburg, Kansas, this past week. Ten people were killed and 16 people remain in critical condition after an F5 tornado touched down after midnight on May 5. More than 60 other people were injured in this massive tornado that destroyed churches, schools, businesses and homes in this small town in south central Kansas. More than 90 percent of the town has been destroyed, and victims and survivors are still being discovered.

Additionally, our state has been affected by widespread flooding in the aftermath of these tremendous storms. Many are finding themselves displaced by these floods, and we anticipate damages in the aftermath of this flooding to be substantial.

At Bethany Place, both the diocesan office and the conference center have flooded basements due to heavy rains. The diocesan office had three inches of water that damaged records and other stored items. The Bethany Place Conference Center has 16 inches of standing water, and we are told the boiler and water heater will need to be replaced. We will make a full assessment of the damage only after all the water has been removed. We are quick to realize how fortunate we have been in comparison to the losses sustained by others.

We are people who believe thoughts and prayer must be accompanied by resources and action when neighbors are in need. The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas is working closely with Episcopal Relief and Development and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas to coordinate an effective response to this situation. We join with our brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas to offer whatever help we can, and we stand together as Kansans in this time of need.

Please contribute generously to this need by sending a check to:

The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
Tornado and Flood Relief
835 SW Polk Street
Topeka, KS 66612

Money will be used for local needs and to assist Episcopal Relief and Development in responding to the needs of victims throughout the state.

Faithfully,
The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe
Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas