wfn.org | ACNS3281 Update on the bombing in Gaza

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3281     |     MIDDLE EAST     |	  28 JANUARY 2003

Update on the bombing in Gaza

"Your prayers are very much appreciated and truly make a difference in these
difficult times," said the Bishop of Jerusalem, the Rt Revd Riah Abu
El-Assal, in the aftermath of the bombing of St Philip's Episcopal Church
and Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza on Friday 24 January.

In addition, he has offered his heartfelt appreciation for the many
telephone calls, faxes and emails expressing support and solidarity and is
also encouraging people to write letters to their congressmen, senators,
members of parliament and other elected officials, denouncing this "barbaric
attack" on the church and hospital.

The Revd Canon John L. Peterson, Secretary General of the Anglican
Communion, was in Korea at the time of the bombing and condemned the attack.

"Having been present with the Primates of the Anglican Communion when St
Philip's Church was rededicated in Gaza by Bishop Kafity, I am appalled by
the wanton destruction of St Philip's by the Israeli missile," he said.
"Knowing the situation in Gaza and the enormous suffering of the Palestinian
people, this is but another example of the tragedy which the people in Gaza
experience every single day."

Canon Peterson was delighted at the immediate response of the Nippon Sei Ko
Kai (the Anglican Communion in Japan) as they pledged a generous donation
towards rebuilding the church.

Lord Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, was also present at the
rededication six years ago and said that the Anglican Church throughout the
world has poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Gaza church and
hospital. He said, "Israel has a moral duty to rebuild both the damaged
church and hospital."

Bishop Riah concluded his statement by asking people to denounce all acts of
violence and to join in our ever-vigilant prayers for peace and justice, for
"all people of this troubled land."

___________________________________________________________________
The ACNSlist is published by the Anglican Communion Office, London.

Please send QUESTIONS or COMMENTS to acnslist@anglicancommunion.org.

You can subscribe/unsubscribe and get help online at:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html

Or to unsubscribe send a blank message to leave-acns@acolists.org.

Thank you for your support for the Anglican Communion News Service.