Churches' response: Both major churches in Ireland are urgently calling for donations to assist with relief efforts in south-east Asia.
The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, has asked that a special collection be taken up at all Masses in the archdiocese on Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of January to support relief efforts for victims of Sunday's disaster. It will replace the regular Share collection and all proceeds will be given to Trócaire for distribution through the worldwide Caritas network in affected areas.
Archbishop Martin has also invited all parishes to include prayers for the victims, their families and communities in liturgies on Saturday, World Peace Day, and on Sunday next.
Bishop Eamonn Walsh has invited parishes in the Ferns diocese to take up a special collection for those affected by the recent disaster wrought by the enormous undersea earthquake in south-east Asia. That collection will be taken up after Communion in parishes of the diocese on the weekend of January 9th.
Both the Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Robin Eames and Archbishop John Neill of Dublin have appealed for donations to help deal with the tragedy.