The bishops of the diocese have this morning written to all clergy and lay ministers, urging us to pray for the situation in Israel and Gaza:
None of us can be unaware of the tragic and worsening situation in Israel and Gaza which has developed over the past week. As the Bishops of the Diocese of Lichfield we write to endorse the statement made by our Archbishops and ask for your prayers.
Statement from the Archbishops on the violence in Israel and Gaza
“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.”
Archbishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem has offered the following prayer which is commended for use throughout the diocese:
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 to 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.
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