wfn.org | ACNS3353 In the Shadow of War: A pastoral letter from the House

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

ACNS 3353     |     USA     |	  19 MARCH 2003

In the Shadow of War: A pastoral letter from the House of Bishops of ECUSA

[ENS] 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 neighbours, 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
life...nor 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)

___________________________________________________________________

For details about the Enthronement of the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury,
the Most Revd Rowan D Williams, visit http://www.anglicancommunion.org/

ACNSlist, the email edition of Anglican Communion News Service, is
published by the Anglican Communion Office, London. QUESTIONS or COMMENTS
may be sent to: acnslist@anglicancommunion.org

You may subscribe to acnslist or unsubscribe at:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html