From the Houston Chronicle-
The most populous diocese in the Episcopal Church doesn't sit along the Eastern seaboard; it's not a notch on the Bible Belt; and it lies nearly 3,000 miles from California's golden shores.
It's in Haiti, a fact that escapes even many Episcopalians. Asked how many members of her church know about the Diocese of Haiti's leading status, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said, “Actually, too few.”
But last month's devastating earthquake may change that, as Haiti has moved to the center of the world's attention. Recently returned from a pastoral visit to the Caribbean island, Jefferts Schori would like to keep the focus there.
Haitians are still struggling to meet basic needs, all while caring for or mourning loved ones pulled from the rubble, she said. Rebuilding the country — and the diocese — will likely take a decade or longer. The death toll, according to Haiti's government, is about 230,000 people.
“The destruction on the ground is as bad as you have seen on the news,” Jefferts Schori said in a video message to Episcopalians. Not one diocesan building in the capital city of Port-au-Prince is usable.
The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is no Johnny-come-lately in the 110-diocese strong Episcopal Church. With roots as a mission church, the diocese will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2011. And while an estimated 80 percent of Haiti's population is Catholic, Episcopalians count about 100,000 members in 170 congregations and maintain a network of 250 schools. The next-largest Episcopal diocese is Texas, with about 80,000 members, according to church statistics.
In the earthquake's aftermath, many believers, including Christians, have struggled with trying to understand God's role in the suffering and deaths of so many people.
More here-
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/6873778.html
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