Churches to join in prayers of peace for Palestine and Israel
Churches in Australia will be able to join with Palestinians and Israelis who will pray together for peace in front of several Israeli settlements this month.(See resources below.)From 29 May to 4 June 2011, the prayers will take place in the occupied West Bank, around the separation wall and in houses of worship and across Palestine.
The World Council of Churches says that this is part of an effort to“affirm the human dignity and rights of all peoples” through the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, an initiative of the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the WCC.
Churches, religious and community organisations are invited to participate in prayers and other activities in their local areas.
The aim of the week for peace is to encourage concerned communities and individuals to make a common witness by participating in worship, educational events, and acts of advocacy in support of a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
The common focus of this year's events is Jerusalem. According to the WCC, policies and actions taken by the Israeli government in occupied East Jerusalem continue to threaten the future of Jerusalem as a viable home for two peoples – Palestinians and Israelis – and three faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Anglicord has a long history of involvement in working with Palestinians, particularly through the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, and will soon launch an appeal to assist women in Gaza to access breast cancer screening and early treatment.
For more information on the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, visit www.worldweekforpeace.org.
Email us and let us know what you did during World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel.
Resources:
- Download the Jerusalem Prayer to use in your church or private prayers
- Download the Service of the Word Liturgy for Sunday 29 May 2011, a lectionary-based worship liturgy prepared especially for use during World Week for Peace 2011.
- Reflect on the theme "I Dream of Peace in Jerusalem," written for World Week for Peace 2011 by residents of Jerusalem.
- Download Worship resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 January) and throughout the year 2011. The theme for prayer this year: The church in Jerusalem, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.