UUA-UUSC Japan Relief Fund Update

The following letter from the leadership of the UUA and UUSC provides an update on the joint Japan Relief Fund and the important work that your generous donations are making possible.

Dear Friends,

More than a month after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, roughly 12,000 people are dead, 15,000 are missing, and more than 500,000 are displaced. Japan is also coping with a nuclear crisis that is being compared to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

The heart-wrenching situation changes day by day, but help is on the way. Thanks to very generous donations from Unitarian Universalists (UU) and our congregations across the country, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)-Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Japan Relief Fund has raised more than $200,000, which will aid in the recovery efforts.

The Rev. Eric Cherry, the UUA's director of International Resources, recently traveled to Japan to meet with our partner groups. Rissho Kosei-kai (RKK), one of our religious partners, shared that their assessment team is reporting severe devastation among their congregations. Read more in the UU World article "UUA-UUSC Japan Fund supports religious partners after quake."

Your generous support is still needed to alleviate the suffering of the Japanese people and help rebuild their lives. Please give generously today. Your immediate support will help RKK congregations provide shelter to people who are homeless, and bring food, clothing, fuel, and other supplies. The fund will also provide support to our other partners in Japan, as well as help in the long-term recovery efforts. 

With your help, we can bring relief and hope to the people of Japan. Thank you.

The Rev. Peter Morales, UUA President
The Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, UUSC President