The following is an ongoing list of Episcopal Church resources relating to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It will be updated as further information and resources become available.
Events and Webinars
A Closer Look with Dean Richard Sewell, St. George’s College in Jerusalem – 12/12/2023
Archbishop Hosam in conversation with Presiding Bishop Curry – 11/21/2023
Statements from Faith Leaders
Faith Groups Letter to President Biden on Rafah – 4/30/2024
Archbishop of Canterbury voices concern at Israeli arrest in West Bank – 4/16/2024
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Easter Message – 3/27/2024
More than 140 global Christian leaders call for Gaza cease-fire in Holy Week letter – 3/26/2024
Archbishop of Canterbury’s statement on famine risk in Gaza – 3/21/2024
Archbishop of Canterbury’s statement after meeting with Revd Fadi Diab – 3/15/2024
Episcopal Church Statement on Deaths of Civilians Seeking Aid in Gaza – 3/1/2024
CMEP Calls on US Government to Hold Israel Accountable to US Laws and for the Deaths of American Citizens – 2/23/2024
National Coalition Urges President Biden to Restore UNRWA Funding to Aid Palestinians – 2/14/2024
Episcopal Church Statement on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital – 12/22/2023
Christmas Message of the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem – 12/21/2023
Statement from the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem on the killings at Holy Family Parish in Gaza – 12/16/2023
Archbishop in Jerusalem addresses Synod with call for ceasefire and plea for peace in Israel and Gaza – 11/13/2023
Letter from Christian Leaders to President Biden – 11/13/2023
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on 10,000+ dead in Gaza: Stop the killing – 11/7/2023
Statement from the Church of England’s House of Bishops on the war in Gaza – 10/31/2023
Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in the Holy Land – 10/29/2023
Archbishop of Canterbury’s speech in Lords debate on Israel and Gaza – 10/24/2023
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem Condemns Israeli Airstrikes Targeting Humanitarian Institutions in Gaza – 10/20/2023
World Council of Churches condemns attack on building adjacent to St Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza – 10/20/2023
Archbishop of Canterbury arrives in Jerusalem for pastoral visit to Anglican church – 10/19/2023
Primates, bishops and synods from across the Communion react to the Israel-Hamas war – 10/19/2023
Pope calls for world day of prayer for peace as catastrophe looms in Gaza – 10/18/2023
Archbishop of Canterbury statement on the bombing of al-Ahli Hospital – 10/18/2023
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls church to prayer following attack on Anglican hospital in Gaza – 10/17/2023
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Statement on the Victims of the Bombing of al-Ahli Hospital – 10/17/2023
Office Government Relations Action Alert: Help Save Lives in the Holy Land – 10/17/2023
Interfaith Leaders Join Call for Ceasefire in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory – 10/16/2023
Patriarchs and the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Statement on the Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza – 10/13/2023
Partner Resources
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem – (AFEDJ) is dedicated to raising financial support for schools, hospitals, and centers for children with disabilities in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon. The Christian values of equity, justice, and respect for the dignity of all are at the heart of their efforts.
- For updates on the Gaza War and their urgent call for support, please click here.
- For updates on the October 17 bombing of al-Ahli hospital, please click here.
Support of the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund will help address immediate and long-term needs created by the Israel-Hamas war.
Churches for Middle East Peace – (CMEP) is a coalition of more than 30 national church communions and organizations in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions. CMEP works to mobilize U.S. Christians to embrace a holistic perspective and to be advocates of equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.
Social Media
Facebook page for Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
Facebook page for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
Episcopal Church News and Press Releases
Episcopal Relief and Development Responding to Israel-Hamas War – 10/19/2023
Episcopal News Service article: “Deadly blast at Anglican hospital in Gaza was ‘crime against humanity,’ archbishop says” – 10/18/2023
Episcopal News Service article: “Anglican hospital among facilities struggling to respond to growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza” – 10/16/2023
Episcopal News Service article: “Christian leaders call for end to violence after Hamas’ attack ignites new war with Israel” – 10/10/2023
The Episcopal Church calls for Prayers for Peace in the Holy Land – 10/7/2023
Prayers
A Litany for the Holy Land – 10/14/2023, Written by The Rev. Leyla Kamalick King, a Palestinian-American priest based in Texas:
God of Love, you created all people as one family and called us to live together in justice, harmony, and peace.
Surround us with your love as we pray for the Holy Land. Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER
God of Righteousness, who demands that our worldly governors take up their responsibility to protect those in their charge and uphold the dignity of all human beings, pour your wisdom into the leaders of this world [especially Benjamin Netanyahu, the leaders of Hamas, and Joe Biden].
For all who bear such responsibility, that they may put the good of the whole over their own greed for power, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God of Compassion, who even in the darkest times, shows us your path: we give you thanks for all those who in the face of crisis wrought by evil-doers, work to help the helpless, to hold out hope to the desolate, to speak for the voiceless and to bring understanding and knowledge to a world darkened by ignorance and hate.
For our siblings who risk much to aid others, that their actions may be successful, and their words may be heard, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God of Mercy, who binds up the wounds of those who suffer, bless the victims of the consequences of fear and hate in the last week and over the past 75 years of conflict in the Holy Land: those injured and traumatized, those bereaved and grieving, those held as captives and prisoners, those who face deprivation and desperation because of systems of violence and oppression, so that they may move forward in this life standing firm in your truth and avoiding the temptation of vengeance.
For all whose lives are forever marked by suffering, that they may be blessed with the hope of your presence, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God of Life, whose faithfulness to us is never-ending, we remember before you those who have died by the violence that has become shockingly routine in your Holy Land; receive them into your heart where they may know the peace and joy of eternal life in you.
For all who have died, that they may rest in that place where pain is no more, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
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, you salaam, in this broken world.
For your dream of justice and peace on earth, and for us, that we may take up your call to build it, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
All this we pray in the name of the One who offered his life so that we might live, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Contact:
The Office of Government Relations
eppn@episcopalchurch.org