Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson is calling for members of the ELCIC to pray for the people of Japan following a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the region on March 11. Both caused major damage to northeastern Japan.
"We ask the members of the ELCIC to pray for the people of Japan in the midst of the devastation they are experiencing from the earthquake and tsunami," says Bishop Johnson. "We include in our prayers Lutheran World Federation member churches in the region, and those around the Pacific Rim who watch and wait for the possibility of tsunamis."
The 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck just off the coast of Japan and triggered a devastating tsunami which created a wall of water. Videos from the region shows cars, ships and buildings being dragged into the water and swept across fields. News reports indicate the earthquake is the most powerful to hit Japan in at least 100 years.
Reports out of Japan vary on the impact on human lives but the death toll is expected to rise significantly.
There are three Lutheran World Federation member churches in Japan, including the Japan Lutheran Church (associate member), Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Kinki Evangelical Lutheran Church.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
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