The Lutheran Disaster Response Network (LDR) is far ahead of the Episcopal
Church in the matters of preparations for critical disaster events.
Our new relationship between these two denominations provides opportunities
and responsibilities of mutual ministries. The LDR has invited the Episcopal
Diocese of East Tennessee to join with it in developing prepared sites
of refuge, in training our lay people in disaster relief, and to walk
this path of response with them.
Episcopalians have customarily made our responses by donations of money
to such agencies as the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, which
has provided immediate, efficient, and very important financial support
to those in disaster situations. The Lutherans are leading us into the
next step of personal and institutional support that is not monetary.
A first-example church was sought out, and St. Stephen's, Oak Ridge
responded. It is going through a process of analysis of resources and
preparation for predictable potential disaster affecting the Oak Ridge
areas of responsibility. This calls for (1) a review of the potential
disasters which the area might face, (2) a review of their church facilities
and their improvements for this work (3) raising up persons to be trained
by the American Red Cross for emergency procedures (4) establishing
a clear line of leadership from within the Church for these emergencies,
and (5) engaging cooperatively with other churches to provide supplemental
elements in a time of need.
St. Stephen's is learning and feeling its way along in this process.
We, in turn will learn from them as the program expands in the diocese.
All of this is in the capable hands of Al Skyberg, a member of St. Stephen's
parish.
Representatives of the diocese to the special planning committee of
the ELCA are Barbara Reed, diocesan staff person, and the Rev. Al Minor,
a diocesan ecumenical officer.
Respectfully submitted by Barbara Reed and the Rev. Al
Minor