In the aftermath of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti yesterday, the Diocese is collecting information on how we can best support our brothers and sisters there.. Lauren Stanley, diocesan missionary to Haiti, was in Virginia at the time of the earthquake. The young adult mission trip to Haiti slated for February is currently still scheduled as planned.

We will continue to send updates and post information on www.thediocese.net as it comes available. In the meantime, please keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. Episcopal Relief and Development has established a disaster relief fund for Haiti. Find out more online or download a donation form.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, issued the following statement:

The people of Haiti have suffered a devastating earthquake, and it is already clear that many have died and many more are injured.

Even under "normal" circumstances, Haiti struggles to care for her 9 million people. The nation is the poorest in the western hemisphere, and this latest disaster will set back many recent efforts at development. I urge your prayers for those who have died, been injured and are searching for loved ones -- and I urge your concrete and immediate prayers in the form of contributions to Episcopal Relief and Development, who are already working with the Diocese of Haiti to send aid where it is most needed.