An open letter from Cardinal O'Brien - Cardinal offers "heartfelt sympathy" to New Zealand earthquake victims:
22 February 2011

Dear Bishop Jones,

On behalf of our people in Scotland, so many of whom have close family ties with New Zealand, I extend to you our heartfelt sympathy following on the disastrous earthquake which has struck your beautiful City, Christchurch. Our prayers are for those who are killed; and our sympathy extends to the survivors, many of whom have lost their homes and all their belongings.

My own personal prayers and thoughts are with you all having enjoyed the hospitality of your City just three years ago following on the World Youth Day in Sydney Australia.

Yours sincerely in Christ



+ Keith Patrick Cardinal O’Brien
Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh
President of the Bishops Conference of Scotland

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Peter Kearney
Director of Communications
Scottish Catholic Media Office
5 St Vincent Place
Glasgow, G1 2DH
Mob: 07968 122291

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Bishop Barry Jones is Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand.