Primate offers prayers to Lac-Megantic

Archbishop Fred Hiltz has expressed his sympathy and offered his church’s prayers to the community of Lac-Mégantic, where at least 15 have been killed and more than 30 buildings were destroyed after a runaway train hurtled into the centre of town and exploded.

“In this very difficult time, may God almighty and most merciful draw near to comfort and strengthen you through your grief, and then to guide you in the work of rebuilding your lives and that of your community,” said a message released by Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.

Like most Canadians, Hiltz said he has been following the news of the disaster. “Your community looks like a war zone, torn apart and laid waste,” he noted. ” My heart goes out to all of you.”

Hiltz said he was heartened to know that the Anglican bishop of the diocese of Quebec, Dennis Drainville, has visited the community. “His ministry of presence and pastoral care and concern is coupled with an outpouring of prayer for those grieving the loss of loved ones, those anxiously awaiting word of family and friends still missing, and those engaged in search and rescue operations,” said Hiltz.