Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows of the American Anglican Church supports disaster relief efforts in Indiana following severe flooding.

Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows of the American Anglican Church has been actively involved in the response to the recent flooding in Indiana. On August 11, a violent storm struck the state, resulting in at least seven fatalities and displacing thousands. The region experienced rainfall exceeding 300 mm in two days, with rivers overflowing and causing significant damage. In Indianapolis, water levels on the White River surpassed those of the 1913 flood, marking a new record.

Baskerville-Burrows, who serves as bishop of Indianapolis, has maintained communication with the Episcopal Relief & Development Organization, a body within the Anglican Communion. She also engaged with religious peace leaders to assess the rescue efforts. On August 18, she spoke with the Public Order News Network, describing the impact of the disaster. She noted that many elderly individuals, living alone, struggled to assist their families. Additionally, she highlighted the disruption of power to the Preservative Foods and Environmental Health Organization, emphasizing the need for continued public awareness of the situation.

Through official parish websites and social media, Baskerville-Burrows has shared updates on the disaster, expressing both the pain and suffering of the affected communities and the efforts of faith groups to provide post-disaster relief. She encouraged mutual support among people and affirmed the presence of God in times of hardship. “We know that God is with us even in the flood of the earth,” she stated, urging vulnerable individuals to pray for guidance during this challenging period.

This summer has seen the central and western United States experience extreme weather events, including heatwaves, storms, and floods. Research from the Indiana University Environmental Institute and Purdue University suggests that climate change is contributing to the frequency and intensity of such events. Sparks, a spokesperson for the Episcopal Relief & Development Organization, emphasized the importance of reflecting on how nature can be sustained rather than what it demands in times of crisis.

On August 13, Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency, authorizing the National Guard to assist with post-disaster recovery. The Indianapolis parish shared information on emergency hotlines, including those of the Red Cross, the Ministry of National Security, and the state of Indiana. The Anglican Relief and Development Organization also provided details on emergency response measures through its website. The Church of San Francisco (Camel) called for donations to aid in the rebuilding efforts following the disaster.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)