The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo, has called on Anglicans around the world to join a global ecumenical day of prayer and fasting on Tuesday 17 October in response to the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land.

The call to be spent in prayer and fasting as made by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, including the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Archbishop Hosam Naoum.

We pray without ceasing for justice, reconciliation, peace, and an end to hatred and war. We also pray for God to change the hearts of all leaders and decision-makers in our countries and around the world. For we are in dire need or hearts that love, show mercy, and are willing to live in unity with others – hearts that respect human dignity and choose life rather than death. Archbishop Hosam Naoum 

St Paul’s Church will be open from 9:00am until 4:00pm for prayers and to light candles

Prayers from the Archbishop of Canterbury:

Urgent funding appeals

The Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association has launched an appeal for the al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza (which is run by the Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem). 

Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal to help people affected by the escalation of violence across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Christian Aid’s local partners stand ready to respond with medical relief and community-led initiatives such as food, shelter, sanitation and protection. 

With love in Christ

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford