Christian Group Increases Prayer For Middle East
Published: June 04, 2008
Around the world, churches will be uniting to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine, and that a solution will soon arise for the conflict within the Middle East.
Launched by a ecumenical service in Jersualem, the World Council of Churches, responsible for coordination this effort, are seeking Proestant, Catholic, and Orthodox parishes to pray from June 4 to June 10, for the solidarity of churches in the Holy Land.
In a statement released by the council, organizers say they are giving thanks for "every church and parish around the world that is praying with us this day for peace."
Organizers say it is "time to do away with double standards" and for Palestinians and Israelis to "share a just peace".
"It's time to respect human lives in the land called holy. It's time for healing to begin in wounded souls. It's time to end 60 years of conflict, oppression and fear. It's time for freedom from occupation," the statement read.
A special prayer, written by church leaders in Jerusalem, was also added by the council, which asks the Lord for His redemption and peace to heal divisions.
"Our Holy City and our land are much in need of peace," reads the prayer.
"In Your unfathomable mystery and love for all, let the power of Your Redemption and Your Peace transcend all barriers of cultures and religions and fill the hearts of all who serve You here, of both peoples - Israeli and Palestinian - and of all religions."
Political leaders are also asked to be "courageous enough to sign a treaty...that puts an end to the occupation imposed by one people on another, granting freedom to Palestinians, giving security to Israelis and freeing us all from fear."
The council's church leaders are also gathering responses to an appeal they made in May for churches around the world to send in their prayers for the region and its believers.
Sent from as far as New Zealand and Cuba, the prayers will be used by the churches in Jerusalem throughout the week of action and prayer. Some will be selected and read aloud at a ceremony in Bethlehem's Manger Square, where organizers will recognize the 60 years that Palestinians have lived as refugees.
Young people in the Philippines will hold debates on the issue of peace in the Holy Land and sing peace songs, while in the Netherlands, church groups are sponsoring intercultural concerts and inter-religious seminars to air different points of view about the need for peace.
Pax Christi and World Vision International are two of the organizations joining in the action week.
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Christian Group Increases Prayer For Middle East
Published: June 04, 2008
The World Council of Churches is coordinating week-long effort in June for churches to pray for peace
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