Gather with more than 40 SEQ inter-faith and multi-cultural leaders on Sunday 9 June between 3pm and 3.45pm in King George Square to pray for the people of Gaza, especially for a permanent ceasefire and a just peace. There will also be brief periods of silent reflection and music. This is a vigil for those more comfortable with prayer or reflection rather than rallying/marching — please leave signage/banners at home (those who gather may sign the official “Praying for Gaza” banner). Please bring friends, colleagues and family members; a cushion; and, open hearts. See Anglican Church Southern Queensland Facebook for more information.

Praying for Peace in the Middle East Our prayers continue to be with those in the Middle East experiencing obscene violence. When conflict seems so large and powerful, you can feel overwhelmed with powerlessness.  Prayer brings hope, solidarity and action as the Spirit holds and responds to our troubles. The National Council of Churches in Australia have shared a moving prayer for peace. For those wishing to learn more about the ‘Two -State solution’ from the perspective of Christians living in the Holy Land, Fr Patton (Custos of the Holy Land), explains in a Vatican Media interview. Click here to read the statement from Australia’s catholic Bishops on the situation in the Holy Land.

From Caritas Australia (13 December 2023) We welcome the Australian Government’s vote at the UN for a ceasefire, and the joint statement with Canada and New Zealand for a sustainable ceasefire.

Much more still needs to be done to ensure the safety of vulnerable people in the Holy Land.

“The departure from human dignity and human rights in Gaza has now escalated to such a degree that a lasting ceasefire is the only way to stem the tide of suffering,” –Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Emergencies Lead

‘These are very hard times’: Pastor of Gaza Catholic church gives update on Christians’ plight 6th December 2023

A PRAYER FOR PEACE IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

BY ROSE MARIE BERGER

Jerusalem Catholic Patriarch offers to be exchanged for Gaza hostages

An Appeal from former Heads of Churches in Palestine

Appeal for a Just and lasting Peace in the Holy Land

19/10/2023

“The angels of peace are weeping bitterly” (Isaiah 33:7)

As fellow Shepherds we add our voices to those of our Patriarchs and Heads of the  Churches of Jerusalem. 

We care deeply for every human life, whether Israeli or Palestinian, created in the  image and likeness of God. We weep for all victims and offer our deepest condolences to  all who have been bereaved or injured.

In less than two weeks tragically more than 1,500 Israelis and 3,000 Palestinians  have been killed, including over 1,000 children, as well as medical and UN personnel and  journalists. We condemn unequivocally the indiscriminate killing of all civilians both  Israelis and Palestinians.

We equally condemn the blockade against humanitarian supplies, the impeding of medical services, and the denial of water, food and shelter to two million displaced people  in Gaza. This is collective punishment, which, together with the targeting of civilians, are war crimes in international law and the perpetrators must be held accountable. 

Hundreds of families sought refuge in the Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza. Instead  of protection and safety, hundreds have been killed and many more injured. It is the  biggest loss of life in Gaza since 2007. And yet according to the World Health Organization there have been over 115 attacks on healthcare facilities by Israel in Gaza in the last two  weeks. 

What is happening in Gaza and the Palestinian Territories is not a military operation but a full-scale assault against the Palestinian people. There is no justification for yet another Nakba. We appeal to the UN and international community and those who  consider themselves friends of Israel and Palestine, to use your influence to stop the ethnic cleansing, implement the rule of international law and uphold the fundamental  human rights of Palestinians as well as Israelis, to live as equals with justice, dignity and  security in their historic lands. 

We ask God to open hearts and minds, so that we see the humanity in one another.  Let us all be taught by God Almighty that justice, peace, and reconciliation are his perfect  will for all then indeed God’s land may indeed become a holy land, in which all will praise God and live in harmony with one another. 

“God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or  crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

+ Michel Sabbah, patr em. + Riah Abo El Assal + Munib Younan + Atallah Hanna