Asia Pacific Forum Letter of Solidarity with Sri Lanka

Global Ministries is a member of the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), an ecumenical organization that includes many mainline protestant denominations in North America. Derek Duncan, Area Executive for East Asia and the Pacific, serves as one of the co-chairs. This letter of solidarity was sent to Global Ministries partner, the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka.

Dear Friends:
Lenten greetings in the name of Christ in from the Asia Pacific Forum (APF). The APF brings together many North American churches and agencies who engage in mission and ministry with ecumenical partners throughout Asia and the Pacific region. Several APF members are in relationship with churches and ecumenical organizations in Sri Lanka, including with the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka.

As an ecumenical forum, we reach out to you in love and solidarity. We have been following the news from Sri Lanka with much concern. Coming close on the heels of a devastating pandemic, the current economic crisis has exposed Sri Lanka and its people to many hardships that include severe scarcity of food, fuel, medicines, electricity and essential commodities. We have also been hearing about the growing political unrest and instability as well as the repressive measures of the state. These unfortunate developments expose the fragility and unreliability of the systems that we have adapted to govern our lives.

While you all yearn for some signs of hope, we are writing this to let you know that we are with you at this time of adversity and assure our prayers to all member churches and organizations of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka. We also want to assure you of our support, partnership, and accompaniment as you play your part in addressing the challenges.
Amidst a seemingly endless war and aggression, and disasters and devastation, let us give an account of our hope at this time when we remember the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord, by accompanying one another and affirming together: Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Yours in Christ, In solidarity and with prayers,

The Asia Pacific Forum