Primate calls for end to violence in Gaza

January 5, 2009 -- Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has issued the following statement on the current situation in Gaza.

It is with a great deal of sadness and alarm that the world has observed, over the past 10 days, an appalling escalation of violence in Gaza. There has been loss of life and many of those slain, according to news reports, have been civilians, including many women and children.

I join other leaders of churches and leaders of many of the nations who have called for an immediate cessation to the horrific violence. I urge resumption of diplomatic negotiations as the means of reconciling the historic tensions between the peoples of Israel and Palestine. I issue this statement in the name of him whose birth the church is celebrating in this holy season of Christmas and Epiphany, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

I call on all Anglicans from coast to coast to coast to pray with special intention for the peoples of Palestine and Israel at this time. I commend the prayer for peace in the world as found in the Book of Common Prayer:

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray thee, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

+Fred
The Most Reverend Fred Hiltz
Primate, The Anglican Church of Canada

Or, I (John) suggest an updated version of the prayer:

Almighty God, from whom all thought of truth and peace proceeds: Bring to the hearts and minds of all peoples a genuine understanding of peace, and guide with your Wisdom those men and women who direct the nations of the world; that your divine Will may be realized, until the earth is filled with a knowledge of your love and justice; through Jesus the Christ our Lord. Amen.

Maybe even this one from the BAS:

6 For Peace
O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single
peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of
our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your Church, peace
among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts;
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.