In a Fragile Time: Prayer, Diplomacy, and Hope

Dear Beloved of El Camino Real,

On Saturday, we learned the surprising yet not completely unexpected news that the US and Israel had attacked Iran. By Sunday, we received confirmation that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader in Iran, had been killed, as had many of the leaders around him. Since then, the situation has escalated, with multiple countries becoming involved and conditions destabilizing throughout the Middle East.

Our response at this moment might include analyzing, lashing out, or even retreating into isolation as we cope with the devastating news of war. I suggest we start with prayer and then seek to understand the realities of the Middle East in the 21st century in the days ahead.

Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Episcopal Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East, released a statement shortly after the strikes. His diocese includes Israel, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Please read it HERE.

Shortly after, our Presiding Bishop, Sean Rowe, sent the following letter to The Episcopal Church. You may read that HERE.

While I have not been in support of the regime in Iran for the past 40 years, I am clear that it is important for us, as a country and as a leader on the global stage, to abide by our own constitution and to observe the tenets of cautious, respectful diplomacy. No matter what another sovereign nation may or may not do, we have guidelines and due process to be followed. I believe in diplomacy and abhor violence.

The use of US troops in war is personal to each of us. I have family members who are veterans and family members who are diplomats. You may have friends, family members, or acquaintances who serve in the military, and we respect their commitment to fulfill their duty.

While disembarking from a flight this past week, I witnessed a scenario that reminded me of the personal cost of military service. Before passengers could collect their belongings and leave their seats, a military escort exited the plane first to meet the coffin of a fallen soldier as the body was transferred from the plane to a military site. From my window, I saw family, friends, and military personnel standing and waiting as the coffin was being moved. Even more striking were the baggage personnel, who stood in a row in silence as the coffin was loaded into the van. On the plane, passengers were silent. No one had told the baggage personnel or the passengers what to do; they simply chose to be kind and respectful. I don’t know who the soldier was, nor anything about their service or their manner of death.

The effects of war are personal, and they touch us all.

As this situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, I ask for your prayers for all those in harm’s way—military and civilians on any side of the conflict. We pray for a swift resolution and for the reopening of diplomatic channels in this fragile time in world history.

Please join me in prayer:

Gracious God… look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth…through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(BCP p. 815, abridged)