Thousands of people in Christchurch as well as the rest of the country today paid their respects to those killed in Tuesday’s devastating earthquake.
Many church services in Christchurch were held in the open air because of the large number of churches damaged or destroyed in the 6.3 magnitude quake. Local resident Murray Amtman said his family did not usually attend church but felt the need to be with people this week.
“We just wanted to pay our respects and be with other people as well.”
Members of the congregation told each other stories of survival and there were tears, hugs and smiles of support.
“We wouldn’t go to church normally but we needed to come and share our story today. It is better than sitting alone crying and togetherness is good for the spirit,” Hoon Hay resident Kendra Street said. Full Article Here
Interesting that this Sunday that Churches across New Zealand have been packed after the Christchurch earthquake. Here in Australia, far from the United States, after the attacks of September 11 churches saw a marked increase in attendance. During the Victorian bushfires, I heard a number of people say ‘I am not religious but..’
Its revealing that when our Western Comfort is exposed for the illusion that it is, and our fragility is brought into perspective, how quickly people get religious.
