ahead of the UN's International Day of Peace

Following the publication of the ‘Legal analysis of the conduct of Israel in Gaza pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide’ by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry this week, the Bishop has written a statement calling on the churches of the Diocese to unite in prayer and public witness for the peoples of the Holy Land on Sunday 21 September - the UN’s International Day of Peace. His statement can be found here. The Cathedral will join in this day of prayer on Sunday, offering prayers at each of our services.

Likewise the Archbishop of York has joined with Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and other Church leaders, in calling for the release of hostages and for an end to the war in Gaza:

‘We have called repeatedly for an end to the war in Gaza, that the hostages and prisoners be released, and that unfettered aid reach those in need.  Despite our pleas, the conflict continues unabated with the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians, ever more innocent blood shed, homes destroyed, cultural and religious sites damaged or destroyed, and children left dying from hunger and starvation.  

‘We fear that the unfolding assault on Gaza City will only intensify the human suffering and misery as already malnourished and traumatised families are forced, yet again, to flee the horrors of this war. This deadly escalation is futile and must stop.  We are encouraged to note that the Foreign Secretary has already described the Government of Israel’s action as ‘utterly reckless and appalling’.  We share her assessment.

‘At a time of such devastation and inhumanity, we give thanks to the Churches of the Holy Land for their faithful service, profound solidarity and peaceful witness.  We pray especially for the clergy and nuns at the Greek compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Latin compound of the Holy Family in Gaza City who have decided to remain and care for the hundreds of civilians that have sought refuge in these Church buildings.  We pray too for Gaza Baptist Church, and the vital humanitarian work they are carrying out in partnership with Christian Mission to Gaza, and the Anglican Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Of all these faithful servants it can surely be said,

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

We remain steadfastly against the evils that this war has unleashed and we stand firm in our belief that this is not the right way, that death and destruction will not triumph.  As the Latin and Orthodox Patriarchs put it, “there can be no future based on captivity, displacement or revenge”; no lasting security as long as justice and integral human rights are denied’.

I am humbled by the faithful witness of our brother and sister Christians in Gaza. We hold them in our hearts and commend them to God’s safekeeping. We will continue to pray for an end to such horrific violence and trauma affecting the lives of so many others who are on the verge of total collapse. They look for our solidarity not in words but in action. They need us to push for an end to this atrocity. Raise your voice. Demand the government acts now. Help ensure humanitarian aid reaches those who need it. This is one of the darkest chapters of modern history. Let us not be remembered as silent bystanders.

Mark Oakley, Dean

Photo: Peace Doves by Peter Walker Sculptor, photographed by Will Bacon Photography