ICC and IICM Member Churches, partner organisations and international counterparts have been responding to the horrifying violence in Israel and Gaza, calling Christians in Ireland to prayer and solidarity for those suffering.
Church of Ireland
Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Michael Jackson have asked all members of the Church of Ireland to pray for peace in the Holy Land, following the outbreak of renewed conflict, sharing a prayer for the peace of the world – from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed; Kindle, we pray thee, in every heart the true love of peace; and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Archbishops’ statement is available here: Archbishops call for prayers for peace in the Holy Land
The Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development is releasing €10,000 (equivalent to £8,650) in support of the al–Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, which is run by the Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
Methodist Church in Ireland
The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev David Turtle called on all of the Methodist people on our island to pray for the ongoing situation in Israel–Palestine.
We recognise the complications of a long history of conflict, and the fear and feelings of injustice that are felt on all sides, but pray and call for restraint from further violence alongside willingness to engage in dialogue to establish a just and peaceful outcome for all those who live in the Holy Land.
God of grace and compassion
Prince of peace and justice
Lord of hope and transformation
We bow before You, acknowledging the seeds of conflict and division which reside in each human heart, including our own.
In a world where we see violence and conflict all around, we pray especially at this time against any further escalation of violence and bloodshed in Israel–Palestine. Quiet the clamour of war and guide all those who have power and influence in this region towards peace. Be with those who are suffering because of this conflict. Draw near to them and make Your presence known.
Bring comfort to the mourning.
Healing to the injured.
Resilience for the fearful.
Bring Your hope and peace in place of hopelessness and violence.
Amen
Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Irish Presbyerians have been encouraged to pray for an immediate end to conflict in Israel and Gaza
… that God would raise up peacemakers, that dialogue would be re–established amongst leaders, cycles of hatred and revenge broken, the grieving comforted, the wounded healed and the future marked with dignity, mercy, justice, peace and love.
Prayer for Today – 15 October 2023
Roman Catholic
Ireland’s four Catholic archbishops made a joint statement on the conflict in the Holy Land:
We re–echo the words of Pope Francis when he said at last Sunday’s audience in Saint Peter’s Square, Rome: ‘May the attacks and weaponry cease. Please! And let it be understood that terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.’
Religious Society of Friends
Will Haire, the Clerk of Ireland Yearly Meeting released a statement on tragedy in Israel and Palestine, saying
We must speak out against the attacks on civilians, the taking of hostages, the cutting off of food, water, electricity, and humanitarian aid. So too do we call for the de–escalation of this terrible cycle of violence.
The statement can be read in full here
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
Our colleagues in CTBI have collated prayers and statements on violence in Israel and Gaza by their member churches.
International
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have called for Global Day of Prayer and Fasting
The Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum added: “We … call upon all our congregations, institutions, and parishioner families to join with our sister Churches in the Land of the Holy One in observing this coming Tuesday [17th october] as a day of Fasting and Prayer for peace, reconciliation, and an end to the war.
World Council of Churches (WCC)
“The World Council of Churches appeals urgently for an immediate cessation of this deadly violence, for Hamas to cease their attacks and ask both parties for de–escalation of the situation,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “We are deeply concerned about the imminent risks of spiralling conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups, and of the inevitably tragic consequences for the people of the region – Israelis and Palestinians alike – following a period of escalating tensions and violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem.”
Pillay added: “The current attacks threaten only more violence; they cannot provide a path to peace or to justice.
“We urge all WCC member churches to join today in praying for just peace in the land of Christ’s birth, and in solidarity with all the people affected and threatened by violence,” he concluded.
The WCC has also published calls from Church leaders in the Holy Land for de–escalation of violence and respect for human rights.
Development Partners
Christian Aid
Christian aid have shared a prayer for peace in the Middle East written by The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of St George’s College 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
They have launched a Middle East Crisis Appeal
Trócaire
- Trócaire have released a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and lasting peace in Israel and Palestine.
Trócaire calls on all parties involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that critical humanitarian access and supports such as food, water and medical supplies are guaranteed. It is imperative that international law is respected by all parties and that civilians and humanitarian workers are protected from harm
