NSW Heads of Churches and NSW Ecumenical Council call for prayers for peace and a lasting ceasefire

As the tragic events in Gaza continue to unfold, the NSW Ecumenical Council cannot but deplore the ongoing atrocities and suffering of the innocent victims of this conflict, mourn for those whose who have been killed, and pray for a lasting ceasefire leading to an end of hostilities and the release of hostages. Every person – Christian, Jewish, Muslim – no matter the religion, is precious in the eyes of God and has the right to live in peace.

Members of the NSW Ecumenical Council have strong historical bonds with the Middle East and over the years, members of the Council’s 21 churches have visited Israel and Palestine, have connections with people there and are familiar with the places where now destruction and death are occurring daily.

Here in Australia, inter-communal tensions provoked by this war, accompanied by a rise in both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, are stressing the fabric of our largely successful multicultural society. Justifiable anger at atrocities should not lead to seeking revenge but channeled to build peace. Australians of all backgrounds and religions must work together to ensure a safe, cohesive, and tolerant society that strives for peace and justice for all, both here and abroad.

The holy season of Advent starts soon when we will be praying to the Prince of Peace who taught us that Blessed are the Peacemakers. Let us intensify our prayers, then, hoping for the immediate release of hostages, the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and that God will grant the ceasefire, a prelude to a lasting peace that is desired by the overwhelming majority on all sides.

Members of the NSW Ecumenical Council will take part in an Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine on Thursday 30 November12:30 to 1:00 pm at the Ferguson Hall (St Stephen’s Uniting Church), 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney, (opposite NSW Parliament); organised by the Abraham Conference – bringing Jews, Christians and Muslims together to discuss contemporary issues of concern for the members of the three religions.