Archbishop Welby: ‘Where is Christ to be found amid cries of His children?'
By Linda Bordoni
On the heels of a solidarity visit to the Holy Land, Archbishop Justin Welby on Tuesday, 24 October, issued a joint appeal for prayers and support for the people of the besieged Gaza Strip, together with Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum.
The spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion’s visit came as the escalation of war between Israel and Hamas killed and wounded thousands of civilians and a massive rocket blast last week exploded in the midst of the Anglican Ahli Hospital in the heart of Gaza City, causing the deaths of hundreds of refugees and severely impacting the hospital’s capacity to function.
The appeal follows the call by Archbishop Welby together with Jerusalem’s Church leaders just 2 days ago to exercise restraint, work for de-escalation and for the protection of civilians, and their invitation to support the Gaza Appeal.
“As war devastates the Holy Land,” Archbishop Welby writes, “we ask where Christ is to be found amid the cries of His children.”
Damaged hospital still providing critical care
The Archbishop also calls for the provision of water, fuel and medicines to enable the hospital staff to continue their work.
"When the lives of the innocent are at risk, we strain our eyes for the light of the One who offers healing, peace, and justice. In Gaza, the Al Ahli hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, is that light. Despite being hit by rocket fire last week, it is still providing critical care to the injured and anyone in need of medical attention. As health services become even more vital in Gaza, the work of the hospital becomes more difficult for urgent need of medications, equipment and fuel."
Archbishop Naoum upholds the dedication of the damaged hospital’s devoted staff noting
“They demonstrated the determination we have in the Diocese of Jerusalem to persevere in our Christian mission to serve others as though we were serving Christ himself (Matt 25 :31-46).”
And this, he adds, “is the case not just for Gaza, but throughout all the Holy Land. Yet in order to accomplish this mission in the midst of a devastating war, we need to draw upon the strength of the larger Body of Christ. For we understand that when one member of the Body suffers, all parts suffer (1 Cor 12:26).
Appeal for prayers for peace
The two leaders conclude appealing for prayers for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, for those who are mourning, are in pain or are living in fear.
Archbishop Welby’s final appeal was for “those who are caring for the injured and bereaved, “noting that “In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that those who have looked after the sick have cared for Christ himself.”
“I urge everyone,” he concluded, “if they are able, to support the Al Ahli Hospital's work caring for the wounded body of Jesus Christ and contribute to the Gaza Appeal.”
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