The UN Fact Finding Mission
released its report on Gaza
last week but the controversy sparked by the report rages on. By documenting
violations of international law and demonstrating how Israel’s attack on Gaza
amounted to “war crimes, and possibly crimes against humanity," the report
and its authors have come under fire by Israel
and the United States
as “politically unbalanced.” We thank God for the courage of all people who
stand against systems of power in the name of justice.
On Thursday evening, Sabeel is
hosting a prayer service for Jerusalem
as the city faces serious challenges to peace. Many voices from the church and
community will offer their petitions for the people of this land. Lord, in your
mercy, hear our prayers.
Life in areas of conflict and occupation
takes many tolls on people. Today we pray for the friendships and relationships
of those who encounter daily injustices. May we find solace in God and pray
that personal relationships would not suffer from insecurity or distrust. May
we all recognize, and work to stop, the cycle of pain that tears apart our
connections with one another.
We lift up in prayer the ministry
of Sabeel’s Study Circle
program, which facilitates discussions about current events and the exploration
of academic articles. This week, Dr. Toine van Teeffelen, a Dutch
anthropologist, presented on the topic of Sumud (steadfastness) within
Palestinian society. Next week begins a 12-part study of Rev. Naim Ateek’s new
book, A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation. We are grateful
for the many scholars and theologians who have graciously shared with the Jerusalem community their
thoughts and reflections.
This week we
join with the World Council of Churches in praying for: Belarus, Moldova,
Russia,
Ukraine
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