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The following is a message from Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, to the people of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec.
With countless other Canadians I have been following the news of the train derailment and the subsequent explosions and horrific petroleum fires. Your community looks like a war zone, torn apart and laid waste. My heart goes out to all of you.
I know that the Right Reverend Dennis Drainville, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Quebec has visited the community and spent a couple of days with you. His ministry of presence and pastoral care and concern is coupled with an outpouring of prayer through parishes all across the Anglican Church of Canada. With you, we are praying for those grieving the loss of loved ones, those anxiously awaiting word of family and friends still missing, and those engaged in search and rescue operations. We are also praying for those who keep a close watch on smouldering debris and ruins and all those who are reaching out to support those traumatized by this disaster.
In this very difficult time, may God almighty and most merciful draw near to comfort and strengthen you through your grief, and then to guide you in the work of rebuilding your lives and that of your community.
In the peace of Christ,
I am,
Sincerely yours,
+Fred
The Most Rev. Fred J. Hiltz
Archbishop and Primate