Love and compassion should not be political

Michael Hartfield

Michael is the National Director of Anglican Missions. Ordained in 2020, he has a background in overseas development and humanitarian affairs.

Love and compassion should not be political

an arched sign reading alhi arab hospital
Supplied by Anglican Missions

There is a catastrophic humanitarian crisis going on right now following the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza. Thousands of people have been killed and over a million people displaced. Access to food, water and medical supplies in Gaza has been almost completely cut off and it’s getting worse. As shocking as the situation is today, unless there is an immediate resolution, it will likely get much worse. This is appalling.

Love and compassion should not be political.

If ever there was a time for the Church to stand up and to advocate for peace and justice, it is now. If there was ever a time for the church to demonstrate the compassion of Christ through unity over division, it is now.

Bishops from the Anglican and Catholic Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia have signed a joint statement condemning the violence and pleading for peace. We are also part of a brand-new joint initiative called the Emergency Alliance, which is dedicated to a unified approach to help those affected by the conflict. You can read about the Emergency Alliance appeal here.

Unity is also highly practical – in working closely not only with Anglican agencies but other humanitarian agencies, we ensure there is no duplication of effort. Time, money and resources are far better utilised.

Lets all unite together to pray for a peaceful resolution to all conflict in the region, and that the funds being raised will provide hope for those caught up in dark and chaotic times.

A prayer for the Middle East (Christian Aid):

God, hear our prayers for peace in the Middle East.
May all people in the region be protected, safe from harm.
We pray that this crisis will end now, with no further loss of life. God, may the injured and distressed know your healing presence.
May the powerful and the decision-makers follow the paths of justice, mercy and peace. We pray for recognition of the dignity and value of every life.
May the clamour of violence cease, replaced by the beating of swords into ploughshares.
Amen.

Anglican Missions is raising funds for the Al Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza, which is continuing to tend to those affected by the conflict despite being damaged by significant rocket fire. You can donate to the appeal here.

Check out other articles in the

series below.

More articles in the

series are to come.

Also by

More

No items found.
No items found.

We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.

Love and compassion should not be political

Love and compassion should not be political

Michael Hartfield

Michael is the National Director of Anglican Missions. Ordained in 2020, he has a background in overseas development and humanitarian affairs.

Love and compassion should not be political

an arched sign reading alhi arab hospital
Supplied by Anglican Missions

There is a catastrophic humanitarian crisis going on right now following the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza. Thousands of people have been killed and over a million people displaced. Access to food, water and medical supplies in Gaza has been almost completely cut off and it’s getting worse. As shocking as the situation is today, unless there is an immediate resolution, it will likely get much worse. This is appalling.

Love and compassion should not be political.

If ever there was a time for the Church to stand up and to advocate for peace and justice, it is now. If there was ever a time for the church to demonstrate the compassion of Christ through unity over division, it is now.

Bishops from the Anglican and Catholic Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia have signed a joint statement condemning the violence and pleading for peace. We are also part of a brand-new joint initiative called the Emergency Alliance, which is dedicated to a unified approach to help those affected by the conflict. You can read about the Emergency Alliance appeal here.

Unity is also highly practical – in working closely not only with Anglican agencies but other humanitarian agencies, we ensure there is no duplication of effort. Time, money and resources are far better utilised.

Lets all unite together to pray for a peaceful resolution to all conflict in the region, and that the funds being raised will provide hope for those caught up in dark and chaotic times.

A prayer for the Middle East (Christian Aid):

God, hear our prayers for peace in the Middle East.
May all people in the region be protected, safe from harm.
We pray that this crisis will end now, with no further loss of life. God, may the injured and distressed know your healing presence.
May the powerful and the decision-makers follow the paths of justice, mercy and peace. We pray for recognition of the dignity and value of every life.
May the clamour of violence cease, replaced by the beating of swords into ploughshares.
Amen.

Anglican Missions is raising funds for the Al Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza, which is continuing to tend to those affected by the conflict despite being damaged by significant rocket fire. You can donate to the appeal here.

Check out other articles in the

series below.

More articles in the

series are to come.