The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod (ELCA) formed the Building Puentes Fund in collaboration with the Delaware-Maryland Synod (ELCA) and the Caribbean Synod (ELCA) to provide support, aid, and relief to churches and pastors in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through work trips and financial aid.
Hurricane Fiona, a category one storm, has once again had a significant impact on Puerto Rico, causing flooding, significant power outages, a lack of safe drinking water, and other problems. "It’s not easy watching family and friends back home get hit by yet, another devastating hurricane. It is encouraging however, to know that while we grieve with them, we can also engage in mutual accompaniment; our synods can offer financial and spiritual support as the church in Puerto Rico rebuilds and we can sit in awe as we witness what resilience looks like in the face of true tragedy, May we continue to be a generous and compassionate church together...precisely for such a time as this, with God's help and in Jesus' name. Amen," says Bishop Leila Ortiz of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod (ELCA).
Every dollar donated to the Building Puentes Fund goes to help our brothers and sisters in Christ in Puerto Rico. Please join Bishop Ortiz, our synod council, and others in our synod in addressing this critical need.