Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We greet the Church from our dioceses in Florida, and we thank you for all your prayers before, during, and after Hurricane Irma. Our region has suffered considerable damage in some areas, and the path of the storm affected most of the State. We are relieved, however, that there has been so little loss of life in this region.

We are in the process of assessing the damage to our communities. For the present we are asking that you do not send goods or come to this region to help. The infrastructure in many places cannot support those who are here, let alone others. There is still little accommodation, and gas, food, and water are in short supply. And with downed power lines in many places and some curfews remaining in force, it is not safe.

We do encourage you to send your donations to Episcopal Relief and Development and sign up for Ready to Serve, and we shall need your help later.

Thank you again for your prayers and assurances of support. We are drawing tremendous strength and encouragement from the Body of Christ.

+Gregory Brewer
The Bishop of Central Florida

+Peter Eaton
The Bishop of Southeast Florida

+John Howard
The Bishop of Florida

+Russell Kendrick
The Bishop of the Central Gulf Coast

+Dabney Smith
The Bishop of Southwest Florida