The 'Hope Shall Bloom' Covenant of Compassion

Responding to Hurricane Katrina, thousands of UCC members are agreeing to a "Covenant of Compassion" by making promises to help now - and in the future.

Read the Collegium's letter of introduction about the Covenant of Compassion here.

Because my faith and conscience call me to respond with prayer and action on behalf of hurricane survivors and others impacted by disaster, I offer my personal promise – in partnership with thousands of United Church of Christ members – to take the following five steps during the next three years to alleviate suffering.

1. I promise to pray for victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina, for those still recovering from other disasters and for victims and survivors from natural and human-caused disasters that will occur in the future.

2. I promise to contribute to the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing special mission offering, especially its "Hope Shall Bloom" hurricane recovery initiative as well as other One Great Hour of Sharing special appeals created to respond to the needs of survivors.

3. I promise to participate in and/or support locally based efforts to temporarily house survivors of Hurricane Katrina or other disasters, support an initiative to assist in resettlement of Hurricane Katrina evacuees which is being pursued by Church World Service, and participate in the UCC's ongoing refugee resettlement program for those fleeing civil war, famine, or ethnic violence around the world.

4. I promise to participate in and/or support mission trips now available through the Florida UCC Disaster Response Ministry or available in the future for Hurricane Katrina recovery or other disasters, as well as involvement through service in my local community, UCC Mission Trip Opportunities and/or Global Ministries' People-to-People Pilgrimages.

5. I promise to support the UCC's Neighbors in Need special mission offering and other justice initiatives that work to ensure that our government adequately serves all people, including the most vulnerable, the disabled, the poor and the elderly.

Holy God, bless and confirm my commitment to join with others in a deepened spiritual discipline of compassion. Help me to serve my brothers and sisters affected by disasters, both nearby and far away. Fill me with the urgency to aid those devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but instill in me a commitment to serve all affected by natural/human disaster. By making this covenant, may our collective effort sustain a long-term Christian commitment to relief, recovery and rehabilitation. AMEN.

Click here to add your name to the "Hope Shall Bloom" Covenant of Compassion.