wfn.org | Good Friday Message from the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 2924 - MIDDLE EAST - 30 March 2002

Good Friday Message from the Bishop of Jerusalem

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We have just finished our Good Friday service at St. George's Cathedral,
after walking the Via Dolorosa. Good Friday has come to Jerusalem, amidst
the sounds of helicopters, police sirens, and tank movements. The atmosphere
is frightening and this did not allow many to attend. One is reminded of
that atmosphere two thousand years ago. The streets are conspicuously empty.

As you turn your attention to our Land, the Land where it all began on the
first Good Friday so many years ago, we kindly ask that you be especially
vigilant in your prayers for our people. We ask that you follow the example
of John and Mary, and avoiding following in the footsteps of those who stood
watching from afar. As never before in the last 50 years, we ask that you be
close to us and to our people.

In the community at large, in places like Ramallah and other towns in the
West Bank and Gaza, people fear the worst. Yesterday the town of Ramallah
was surrounded by 150 Israeli tanks. Food supplies were quickly bought up
and children were hurried home from schools. Some found their way to
Jerusalem while all foreigners were told by Israel to leave Palestine.
Thirty International Observers from Italy, Switzerland and France have
chosen to stay with the people of Ramallah, in a show of solidarity.

For the third time in as many months, Israeli Military forces have occupied
the Arab Evangelical Home and School. Yesterday, in anticipation of this
act, all children were sent from the Home. As anticipated, at 7:30 this
morning Israeli Soldiers arrived and claimed the Home as theirs. Ten sisters
and lay staff remain on the premises and were ordered to move to another
building.

The Rev. George Al Kopti, Rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in
Ramallah remains in his home at the Church compound, afraid for his safety
on the streets. The sounds of gunfire consistently fill the air.

Please keep the people of the Evangelical Home and School, The people of St.
Andrew's Episcopal Church, the people of Ramallah and all those in this Land
in your prayers as you remember the first Good Friday.

Yet, the unquiet heart in each peace loving Child of God will keep us going.
We continue to hope, pray, work and look forward to transforming the present
reality of death and great suffering, to a more pleasant future; one that
respects the noble qualities of humanity. Once we break with the old and
come to terms with the new, the world at large will celebrate a Holy
Resurrection indeed.

In spite of the pain and suffering of Good Friday two thousand years ago, as
well as today, we continue to believe that good will overcome evil and peace
will prevail over war.

In Christ,

+ The Rt Revd Riah Abu El-Assal

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

Please send QUESTIONS or COMMENTS to acnslist@anglicancommunion.org