From The Rev. David H. Johnson, Diocesan Deployment Officer

Dear Friends in Christ...

I suspect you have followed the news of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the Dioceses of Mississippi and Louisiana.  The impact of this storm has been staggering -- well beyond our previous experience of catastrophic storms, Hurricane Camille in 1969.

Reports are still incomplete.  We have not yet been able to get into the coastal area.  The National Guard is tightly regulating entry into the primary impact zone.  Thus far, we in Mississippi have had confirmations of the buildings of six parishes being destroyed on the coast.  We have not heard reports on three others.  Casualty figures are only preliminary and are expected to climb as recovery efforts continue.  That is just Mississippi.

 ... the Diocese of Louisiana  ...  had to relocate the diocesan office from New Orleans to St. James' Church in Baton Rouge.   ... 

Our hearts are being warmed by the prayers and words of encouragement, and from the monetary support which is coming in from ERD, CPG, numerous dioceses and other sources.

Faithfully Yours,

David+

David H. Johnson
Canon to the Ordinary
Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
118 North Congress Street
P. O. Box 23107
Jackson, Mississippi  39225-3107