This week begins the Season of Creation – a season where through our liturgy and prayers we bring to the centre of our attention the beauty and diversity of life, the wonder of the universe and our sacred care of the earth, our common home.
We are also conscious of our interdependence. Where there is pain or suffering, where one person or group is oppressed or robbed of their dignity, where there is no end to the violence and hope is lost, we are all affected in ways seen and unseen, felt and unfelt.
In response to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, our Diocesan Council and Churches across Australia have joined in calling for a special intake of Afghan refugees and support for their families in this time of great need.
We, the Australian Church, are calling on the Federal Government to welcome a special intake of an additional 20,000 Afghan refugees, and support the ongoing well-being of all Afghan refugees and their families.
I have signed this petition as leader of our sacramental community, and I invite you to consider adding your own individual name to the petition.
Please join me in praying for the people of Afghanistan
O God of mercy and of peace,
We hold before you the peoples of Afghanistan, many of whom feel abandoned and betrayed.
Be living bread to those who are hungry each day.
Be healing and wholeness to those who have no access to health care amidst the ravages of pandemic.
Be their true home to all who have been displaced.
Be open arms of loving acceptance to those who fear because of their gender, ethnicity, religious or political views.
Be peace to those engaged in armed conflict and those who live within its shadow.
Turn our hearts and minds to your ways of just and gentle peace,
open our eyes to see you in all acts of compassionate care,
strengthen our hearts to step out in solidarity with your suffering people and
hold us all in your unfailing love.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself of all but love in order to bring life in all its fullness. Amen.
(Service of Prayer and Lament for Afghanistan, St John’s Cathedral 22 August 2021)
Grace and peace,
Sue+