Speaking to the recent rise in conflict across Israel and Gaza, the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has offered up the following words in sombre reflection, and joins the Archbishops of Canterbury and York condemning the violence.
"Few words can make sense of the tension we feel about the escalation in conflict and rise of death toll in the Holy Land over the last few days.
"We condemn terrorism, political violence and the loss of all innocent life, even as we recognise the desire to defend national sovereignty and ward against military aggression in the struggle for freedom. We affirm the equal dignity of Palestinians and Israelis and lend our voice to the chorus of all those peace-lovers across borders who yearn to live free from fear.
"We anchor ourselves to the call of our Scriptures and invite our sisters and brothers in all the Abrahamic faiths to remember that call as well: to love our neighbours as well as our enemies, and to pray for those who persecute us.
"We join with all people of good will, in praying for a ceasefire to end the current bloodshed. We also pray for longer-lasting peace for Jerusalem and the entire Middle East – the kind of genuine peace that we believe can be found by aligning our hearts and patterning our actions after the way and life of Jesus."
Should you wish to join us in prayer, the following was written by The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of St George's College Jerusalem, and approved by Archbishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem:
O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples.
Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for to all of us you are our Heavenly Father.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen