Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The people of the Holy Land and the Diocese of Jerusalem desperately need our help! The peace of Christ remains so elusive in Israel and Palestine as we struggle to understand the complexity of the conflict and appropriately respond as disciples of Christ.
We have been in direct contact with Archbishop Hosam Naoum and are now able to invite your tangible support. I am writing to request that you join me in providing critical humanitarian aid through the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. I am asking that every congregation encourage members and worshippers to support this direct relief program via the weblink below.
In the interest of providing immediate assistance where most needed, online financial support is best. I also invite you to make use of the rich worship and prayer resources available on their website as we seek to join in both spiritual and material support.
Please direct all inquiries to the Rev. Canon Suzanne M. Coles at scoles@dioceseli.org. Thank you for answering the call to relieve human suffering in Christ’s name. Pray without ceasing for peace and an end to this senseless violence. We will publish updates as received.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano
Bishop of Long Island
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.
(Archbishop Hosam Naoum, The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem)