As Primus I had planned to visit Jerusalem and the West Bank during Holy Week, writes Bishop Mark Strange. The visit was planned with colleagues from USPG so that we could show support for our friends in the Diocese of Jerusalem and to see for ourselves how things had changed since our last visit.

Unfortunately, even though we had waited to see if the situation in the Middle East would calm, the final end to our hopes came with the cancellation of our flights.

I had intended that the visit would provide the background for a season of prayer, using the experience to influence our thoughts.

This cannot now happen, so I have asked the College of Bishops if the Scottish Episcopal Church could hold a Day of Prayer for the churches and people of the Middle East on the Tuesday of Holy Week (31 March)  – the day when I would have been on the West Bank.

Each Bishop has responded positively and we hope that an opportunity to pray alongside our brothers and sisters will be found across the Province.

Please continue to pray for peace.

As was written by our friend Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East: “Suddenly, our people from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf find themselves once again huddled in shelters.”

He said that those suffering in the strikes reside within “our ecclesiastical boundaries”. Members in the Diocese of Iran “are currently enduring the terror of aerial bombardment” and members in the Diocese of Cyprus & the Gulf “are witnessing the arrival of war at their doorsteps”.

He called for prayerful support from the global Church, urging Christians to be “bridge builders” because “even as diplomatic windows seem to slam shut, the Church must keep the doors of reconciliation open”.

The archbishop continued: “We refuse to see our neighbours as enemies, whether they be in Tehran, Tel Aviv or the military bases of the Gulf.”

He asks us to pray.

God of mercy, look with compassion
on all who are affected by the present conflict.
Grant insight to hardened hearts,
comfort to the fearful,
protection to those in danger,
and hope to those who are despairing,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Further resources for the Day of Prayer will be made available nearer the time.