Bishops’ Appeal encourages prayer for ceasefire to hold and continued support for Middle East appeal
Bishops’ Appeal has encouraged members of the Church to pray that the ceasefire arrangements agreed between Israel and Hamas would hold and lead to a more lasting peace after they take effect. This follows a welcome from Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Michael Jackson yesterday (Thursday, 16th January) for the announcement of a proposed ceasefire and release of hostages.
The appeal for the Middle East, organised by Bishops’ Appeal on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and Tearfund, continues to be open for donations, which will be shared equally between the two organisations to support vital humanitarian work. The Diocese of Jerusalem covers Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon and Tearfund partners are present across the region.
Readers can find out how to give online, by bank transfer, or in other ways at https://bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/give
The full joint statement from the archbishops is as follows:
‘This represents a fragile moment of opportunity, with the prospect of an end to the war in Gaza and the release of all hostages. We pray for blessing on peace-makers in every community in the Middle East who build bridges and reconcile relationships between those divided by conflict.
‘Beyond every number mentioned in reports of casualties in the region is an individual human being made in the image of God with value and dignity, regardless of their nationality or background. The needs of people who mourn or who have been displaced and injured must be foremost in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
‘We hope that this development will lead to a just and lasting peace, the full supply of humanitarian aid to relieve extreme suffering now, and the healing of physical and mental wounds. This requires leadership which relentlessly pursues a desire for peace, over and above any lesser gain, for the well-being of the people who live in the lands in which Our Lord found his earthly home.’
