Thursday, October 8, 2009

8/10/09 - English


Thousands of Christian Zionists are visiting Jerusalem this week for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). Christian Zionists gather every year at this time to express their support for Zionism. We pray that the people attending this year’s events will be moved to recognize the need for a theology of justice rather than a theology of exclusivity.

Friends of Sabeel—United Kingdom recently partnered with community organizations, politicians from all parties, and private individuals to establish the Bristol-Gaza-Link Association. The organization will seek “to build humanitarian, cultural, educational and social links” primarily between Bristol and Gaza City. We rejoice that such initiatives are beginning to gain such widespread support and pray that other communities will be inspired to work for justice in any ways they can.  

Last week, a Friends of Sabeel—North America conference was held in Washington, D.C., and another will be held this week in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In spite of the increasingly polarized nature of American discourse, we pray that these conferences will inspire more people to seek a just peace in Palestine and Israel. And may the conferences provide necessary tools for peacemakers already committed to pursuing justice.  

Gracious God, heal the hearts of those who hate. In places where hate fuels vicious words and destructive actions, give us the courage to love.

This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan

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