Christian Aid Middle East Crisis Appeal
On 7 October 2023, in the early morning hours, Palestinian armed groups in Gaza launched thousands of rockets toward Israel. Members of armed groups entered Israeli towns, communities, and military facilities near the Gaza Strip, killing and capturing Israeli forces and civilians. The Israeli military declared “a state of war alert,” and begun bombardments from air, sea, and land in the Gaza Strip.
The United Reformed Church General Assembly moderator Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson has co-signed the Christian Aid Call for a Just Peace Now, that emphasises the need to protect civilians, putting an end to all violence, securing the immediate release of all hostages, and an unconditional ceasefire so that aid can reach Gazans now.
The following is from the Christian Aid Appeal and includes supporting key facts and information, together with the opportunity to make donations direct to Christians Aid.
Many United Reformed Churches contribute to the work of Christian Aid’s partners in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory through the global justice programme Commitment for Life Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory – United Reformed Church.
Prayers
A prayer for peace in the Middle East written by The Very Revd Canon Richard Swell, 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.
God, hear our prayers for peace in the Middle East.
May all people in the region be protected, safe from harm.
We pray that this crisis will end now, with no further loss of life.
God, may the injured and distressed know your healing presence.
May the powerful and the decision-makers follow the paths of justice, mercy and peace.
We pray for recognition of the dignity and value of every life.
May the clamour of violence cease,
Replaced by the beating of swords into ploughshares.
God, in your name, Amen.
Further Reading
The Revd Lindsey Sanderson, Moderator-elect for the National Synod of Scotland, attended a Christian Aid webinar concerning the Middle East crisis and heard firsthand testimonies about how communities are frightened, angry and hurting. Read Lindsey’s reflection in full.
More Ways You Can Support
Donate Now
You can donate directly to Christian Aid’s Middle East Crisis Appeal at this link and share hope with people in need.
Call for Peace
You can download and share these messages to bring an immediate end to violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. They have been created by Christian Aid and other Christian organisations.