The Bishop of Southwark calls for people to pray and fast for Gaza.

The Bishop of Southwark recently shared a letter with the people of the Diocese encouraging prayer and fasting for those affected by the current conflict in Palestine and Israel. We are please to share this below.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

I write to encourage you to continue in prayer for all those affected by the current conflict in Palestine and Israel. In particular, I wish to highlight two ways in which you might hold their plight before God in prayer.

Firstly, would you please consider joining online a special joint ecumenical service between London and Jerusalem. This is taking place tomorrow (20 May) at 12pm UK time at the Temple Church in London, with participation from myself and Cardinal Nichols in London and from Archbishop Hosam in Jerusalem. There are no spare seats available to attend the service physically, but please do join online via this special YouTube link.

Secondly, our dear friend and colleague Richard Sewell, the Dean of St George’s College in Jerusalem, is inviting people to join him in fasting in solidarity with Gazans every Wednesday, beginning on 21 May. Please consider joining Richard by fasting in whatever way you can - using the time to pray for food and aid supplies to get into the region and meet the needs of those who are suffering so terribly. Please be sensible in fasting, doing only as much as you can manage and following medical advice, where necessary. If you do join in, you can share what you’re doing on social media by using the hashtag #fastforgaza.

The situation in the Holy Land is becoming truly desperate -and all of the peoples of the region need peace, with justice. However you choose to do so, please hold all those who are suffering before God in prayer in these challenging times. Be assured, too, of my prayers for each of you and for those who need our prayers in our parishes.

With blessings,

The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Rev'd Christopher Chessun