PRAYERS FOR PEACE

Our prayers are with all those in Israel and beyond affected by the recent attacks in that nation, those who are caught in the middle in Gaza, and for all those in the region who are experiencing violence, loss, and hardship in the midst of war. May we all embrace the best of our heritage and our scriptural foundations as we continue to work for peace in the world.

The Church of the Brethren has joined more than 20 Christian churches and other faith-based and peace and justice groups from across the United States in sending a letter to Congress mourning the loss of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and calling for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The letter says, in part: “As Church-based denominations and organizations with deep ties to the Holy Land, we mourn with our Israeli and Palestinian siblings as they grieve the loss of loved ones and remain fearful of continued violence. Our commitment remains to a future in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, with security and human rights protected for all.”