Episcopal Church and Anglican leaders continue to share prayers and statements calling for an end to the violence impacting Israelis and Palestinians.
Below is a partial list of statements and resources.
- Statement from Churches for Middle East Peace, of which The Episcopal Church is a member
- Churches for Middle East Peace weekly Zoom briefing
- Statement from leaders of churches in Jerusalem
- Episcopal News Service article: “Christian leaders call for end to violence after Hamas’ attack ignites new war with Israel”
- Facebook page for Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Anglican province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
- Facebook page for American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
- “A Litany for the Restoration of Peace in the Holy Land“—American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
- Bishop Deon K. Johnson’s prayer for peace (below)
The Most Reverend Melissa Skelton
The Most Reverend Melissa Skelton is Bishop Provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia.
It’s with humility that I offer you words and a prayer related to the horrific situation in Israel, Gaza, and the entire Middle East.
The violent, shocking October 7 attack on Israel, including the taking of hostages, was an unspeakable act. The oppression, terrorizing, and targeting of innocent civilians – Israelis or Palestinians – recently or in the past – is wrong.
At the same time (and I will speak just for myself here), the history, the political dynamics, and the religious circumstances within and among those in the region are complex and fraught beyond my comprehension – though I am doing my best to comprehend them.
And so, I offer you this brief prayer for now, a prayer I will be praying daily.
Loving and liberating Creator, send your healing Spirit upon all involved in the current conflict and violence in the Middle East. Comfort those who mourn or who have been harmed by brutality. Stand with those who are fearful. Protect and provide for the powerless and the vulnerable. Inspire a spirit of forbearance and understanding within all and uphold those who even now work for a just and durable peace. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County. We welcome you be with us as we walk the way of Jesus.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. We are a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.