Conflict in the Holy Land Update
All of us are distressed by the current violence in Israel and Gaza. Destruction and death in any part of the world are horrific, but to see such devastation in the land where Jesus preached about the love of neighbor is particularly disturbing.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has released a statement calling for an end to the current violence.
He has also joined Churches for Middle East Peace and thirty American Christian leaders in calling on President Biden to support a de-escalation of the conflict and a ceasefire.
What the Cathedral is doing: In support and solidarity with the people of Gaza, Mission and Outreach is making a cash donation to our Anglican siblings in The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem via American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Our contribution will be directed to humanitarian efforts and used to supply desperately needed medical supplies, water, and fuel for the emergency generator at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital site of the recent explosion and managed by the Church in Jerusalem since 1980.
What you can do: If you feel called to make an individual contribution, consider making a donation to Mission and Outreach via the Cathedral's website https://amcathparis.com/donate (selecting Other and specifying al-Ahli Arab Hospital at step 4) or directly to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem at https://afedj.org/give/give-online/
In addition to our material support, let us join people around the world, praying for de-escalation and peace.
God of Justice, who calls us to uphold the dignity of every human being, every child of this earth, beloved of you: empower your Church to help you heal this terrible cycle of violence and revenge; give us courage to rise above our fear that nothing can be done in the face of the conflict and chaos of our own creating; grant us the conviction to advocate for change and to work for the establishment of your peace, your shalom, your salaam, in this broken world. AMEN
Other Resources
To read Bishop in Charge, Mark Edington’s “A Pastoral Word to the Church”, please click below.
For more resources on the conflict in Israel and Gaza from the Episcopal Church, please click below.
For Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s call to prayer, please click below.