Jesuit Network Response to Typhoon Haiyan

BY CHRIS KERR | November 12, 2013

The devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and other areas of southeast Asia is tremendously disturbing.  The death toll isn currently estimated at 10,000 and millions have been left without shelter, safe drinking water, food, etc.  For the millions of people impacted by this horrendous natural disaster, their lives will be forever changed by the loss of loved ones and in some cases complete obliteration of their homes and towns.  The Jesuit network throughout the world has been offering updates and information regarding Typhoon Haiyan response efforts and how people can support those responding to the many needs of people in the region.

The following are some resources for learning more about the response of Jesuits & their partners and how you can support them:
11.12.13 – Message from U.S. Jesuit Conference on Typhoon
11.12.13 – Statement #2 by Mark Raper SJ, President Jesuit Asia-Pacific Conference
11.12.13 – Statement by Antonio F. Moreno, S.J., of the Philippine Province of the Jesuits
11.11.13 – Statement by Mark Raper SJ, President Jesuit Asia-Pacific Conference
11.09.13 – Call for assistance from Ateneo de Manila (Jesuit) University
March 2012 – Jesuit Superior General Statement on “The service of the Society of Jesusin times of disaster”

Media coverage about Jesuit works responding to Typhoon Haiyan:
Desperate Filipinos add to challenging logistics of delivering aid (CNS | 11.12.13)
Jesuits respond to Typhoon Haiyan (ICN | 11.12.13)
Loyola University New Orleans Students Host Typhoon Relief Effort (loyno.edu | 11.13.13)

Additional Resources:
Jesuit University Humanitarian Action Network (JUHAN): A Day of Solidarity and Fundraising
Jesuit Conference Asia Pacific Facebook Page
Prayers in Times of Natural Disasters (SOURCE: jesuitresource.org at Xavier University)
Jesuit Networking Resource on International Jesuit Response
Loyola Responds | via Loyola University Chicago

Our hope is that these resources can be one way to further opportunities for collaboration, support, and solidarity in response to this ongoing situation.  If you have additional resource suggestions or would like to share the way your Jesuit community/institution is responding, please contact info@ignatiansolidarity.net.  We continue to pray for those who have died, for their families, and for all who have been impacted by this horrible disaster.

Christopher Kerr

Chris joined the Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) as executive director in 2011. He has over fifteen years of experience in social justice advocacy and leadership in Catholic education and ministry. Prior to ISN he served in multiple roles at John Carroll University, including coordinating international immersion experience and social justice education programming as an inaugural co-director of John Carroll’s Arrupe Scholars Program for Social Action. Prior to his time at John Carroll he served as a teacher and administrator at the elementary and secondary levels in Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Chris speaks regularly at campuses and parishes about social justice education and advocacy, Jesuit mission, and a broad range of social justice issues. He currently serves on the board of directors for Christians for Peace in El Salvador (CRISPAZ). Chris earned a B.A. and M.A. from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. He and his family reside in Shaker Heights, Ohio.