12th February 2008

PARLIAMENTARIANS CALL FOR PRAYER FOR PRESIDENT HORTA

Two New South Wales parliamentarians have called on Australians to pray for the life and health of East Timor President, Nobel Laureate Jose Ramos Horta, who remains in an induced coma in Darwin Hospital while undergoing treatment for as many as three gunshot wounds.

In a joint statement, Reverend the Hon Fred Nile MLC and Reverend Dr the Hon Gordon Moyes AC MLC said:

“The President of Australia’s nearest neighbour East Timor, Jose Ramos Horta is gravely wounded and deserves our prayers.  Australians are right to be appalled by all assassination attempts against political leaders. We call on Australians to pray as individuals, as family groups, and as congregations that Almighty God may bless and strengthen Jose Ramos Horta and grant him a full recovery from his serious injuries.”

Reverend Dr Moyes is the long serving former Superintendent of the Wesley Mission of the Uniting Church, and Reverend Nile is the President of the Congregational Churches. 

The statement concluded:

“We encourage Australians to continue supporting our East Timorese neighbours, through prayer, philanthropy and politics.  The intended visit by Australia’s Prime Minister to East Timor is very welcome.”