wfn.org | Episcopalians: IN THE SHADOW OF WARA Pastoral Letter

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

March 18, 2003

2003-061

Episcopalians: IN THE SHADOW OF WARA Pastoral Letter

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We, your bishops, write to you in perilous times. We do not know 
what the next days will bring.	War and the threat of war make 
many afraid for the welfare of all that they love, and all those 
whom they hold dear.  Such fear gnaws at the edges of 
consciousness and can shake the foundations upon which we have 
built our lives and our communities.

We do know that the certainty of God's goodness and faithfulness 
can never be shaken.  In a time of great violence and anxiety 
we, as Christians, are not to acquiesce to fear; we are to 
witness to the reconciling love of God.

We are aware that within the community of faith there are a 
variety of opinions about the course our nation is pursuing. 
Nevertheless, Christians are called by Jesus to regard all 
persons as neighbors, to reach out in mercy, and to pray for one 
another and for our enemies.

We remind ourselves now of those who need our prayers and 
concerns: all who will be caught up in this conflict, our 
military personnel including our chaplains, their families, 
people who suffer for conscience sake, Arab Americans of all 
faiths, followers of Islam around the world - the great majority 
of whom share a longing for peace, and the people of Iraq, among 
whom are more than one million Christians.  Our prayers must 
continue for George, our President, and for the leaders of the 
nations, that they will make wise and measured decisions that 
will protect the innocent and will result in a swift and just 
peace, and the full restoration of the land and people of Iraq.

In this season of conflict and danger, our Church is called to 
be a community where all people can join in prayer for peace and 
healing in God's beloved world, for loved ones and those in 
harm's way, and for the assurance of our Lord's merciful 
presence and providence in the midst of crisis.  As your 
bishops, we commit ourselves to adopt a discipline of fasting 
and prayer for the return of peace.  We commend such a 
discipline to each of you.  We urge our congregations to open 
their doors for prayer and to be places where all can find the 
hospitality and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of 
Peace.

In all times and circumstances, our faith is set upon the firm 
foundation of the love of Christ.  We reaffirm our confidence 
that "neither death nor lifenor anything else in all creation, 
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus 
our Lord."  (Romans 8:38,39)

In these difficult times, may God give us the strength to 
witness to the Divine Compassion.

A Prayer for the Whole Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through 
Jesus your Son: 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 purpose on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and 
races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.	Amen.	Book of Common Prayer, 
page 815.

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church 

March 18, 2003

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