2010 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE SEAFARER

Pirate attacks, unwarranted detention and abandonment, not to mention boredom, isolation, fatigue, anxiety and depression-the sea presents a unique set of pastoral challenges. Churches have a long history of caring for seafarers of any faith or none. The Apostleship of the Sea was founded in 1922 and operates in over 100 countries including Australia. The U.N. has dedicated this year to the seafarer.