Violence in Israel and Gaza

A message from Bishop Rachel

I urge people across the diocese to pray for peace amid the horror of the violence in Gaza and Israel, and I support the Archbishops’ statement published on Saturday 7 October:

“We are grieved and deeply concerned at the violence in Israel and Gaza, and we unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas. We pray for those who are mourning, those who are injured, and all those fearing for their safety. We pray for restraint on all sides, and renewed efforts towards a just peace for all. The way forward must be for both sides to build confidence in a secure future through which Israel and its people can live in security within its internationally recognised borders, and Palestinians have their own state and live in their lands in security, and with peace and justice.”

On Saturday I was in contact with The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell, the Dean of St George’s in Jerusalem, who has since shared a prayer which has been endorsed by  Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Archbishop in Jerusalem:

‘O God of all justice and peace,
we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. 

Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. 

While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children – for to all of us  you are our Heavenly Father.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

I have also been in contact with The Revd Su McClellan, Senior Church Engagement Manager at Embrace the Middle East, who has shared the prayer below: