Bishop’s prayers for Burmese

10:17am Thursday 8th May 2008

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THE Bishop of Winchester the Right Reverend Michael Scott-Joynt was last night desperately trying to contact church counterparts in cyclone hit Burma.

With tens of thousands missing it was feared that the death toll could be more than 60,000.

The massive human tragedy comes just two months after the bishop visited Burma which has links with the Winchester Diocese stretching back to 1877.

Prayers are being said in churches across the diocese as the death toll rises.

Writing on the diocese's website the bishop says: "Homes, roads, lighting and infrastructure have been damaged.

"Many people have no power nor clean water. Like others I am still trying to make contact with people I have met and developed relationships with.

"Communications are very difficult and the extent of the problems are not as yet fully known.

"We will continue to pray for the families that have lost loved ones or have become separated, and for those going or already there providing help."

Churches, other buildings of worship and schools in Burma have been providing shelter for hundreds of people, according to the Save the Children charity.

As the extent of the devastation becomes known, countries and charities are pledging aid and humanitarian assistance.