Bishop William Skylstad, president of the episcopal conference, made the announcement Wednesday, at the end of the two-day Administrative Committee meeting in Washington.
«The hurricane and the flood came and went in a matter of hours and days,» the Administrative Committee said in a statement about the relief efforts and the task force. «Our support, compassion, and commitment to help make things right must last far longer — not days, but months and years.»
«For us as Catholic bishops,» it added, «Katrina is more than a terrible natural disaster and human catastrophe. It is a test of our faith, our hope and our love.
«Faith in Jesus Christ insists life conquers death, resurrection follows crucifixion, recovery comes from suffering and hope overcomes despair. This is a time to live out the Gospel, turn our love into care for others, move our words into action, and practice the solidarity we proclaim.»
