Christians offer prayers and condolences after tragic deaths of A Rocha leaders

Miranda and Peter Harris (Photo: Facebook/A Rocha USA)

Christians have been offering their prayers and condolences after the tragic deaths of A Rocha leaders on Monday. 

A Rocha co-founder Miranda Harris, A Rocha International CEO Chris Naylor and his wife Susanna were killed in a horrific car crash. 

Local media reports say that the car they were travelling in collided with another vehicle before plunging off the Swartkops Bridge in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. 

Miranda's husband Peter survived the accident and remains in hospital in a stable condition. 

Miranda and Peter founded A Rocha in 1983, initially in Portugal, to campaign on climate and environmental issues from a Christian perspective. Today, it works across 20 countries.

Many Christians in the environmental and charity sectors have been praying for the A Rocha family in the wake of the news. 

Green Anglicans said on Twitter: "Our prayers are with the A Rocha family at this time of loss. We lift up their loved ones and pray for Peter in hospital.

AsiaLink tweeted: "Our deepest condolences go to all at@arochaint following Monday's tragic news. The families and friends of all involved are in our prayers."

The Church of England Environment Programme said it was "so terribly sorry" to hear the news. 

"You are in our thoughts," it said on Twitter.

Peter Rowan, national director of OMF UK, said: "Deeply saddened to hear this news. The @OMF_UK community will be praying today for all those affected." 

Young Evangelicals for Climate Action said: "We are heartbroken over this news. We are praying for those involved, their family and friends, and the A Rocha family."

The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, said: "Deepest condolences and prayers to all affected by this tragic news. Lord have mercy."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Pope Leo XIV listed among Time’s 2026 100 most influential people
Pope Leo XIV listed among Time’s 2026 100 most influential people

Pope Leo XIV has been included in Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, marking another milestone in the early months of his historic papacy.

The backstory to St George and his flag
The backstory to St George and his flag

23 April marks St George’s Day, which often passes unnoticed. In recent years St George’s flag has become increasingly used at sporting events, and elsewhere in England. This is the story … 

Dear Saint George: A letter to England’s patron saint
Dear Saint George: A letter to England’s patron saint

Peter Crumpler shares his appreciation for England's patron saint.

Baroness Scotland urges people of all faiths to support religious freedom
Baroness Scotland urges people of all faiths to support religious freedom

Two thirds of people worldwide are believed to live in countries with no, or limited, religious freedom.