As the crisis in Israel and Gaza continues this page will be updated regularly with latest information alongside statements, prayer resources and other information as appropriate. Keep checking back to see what's new. 

Blackburn Prayers

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Matthew 5.9

Join with us in praying daily for all those affected by the terrible violence in Israel and Gaza, and for all who work for peace, unity and healing.

Prayers are featured in our Daily Blackburn Prayers email. You can subscribe here to it as well as to the monthly prayer list. 

Bishop's statement

Bishop Jill and I have been deeply moved and saddened beyond words by what we have all watched unfold in Israel and Palestine recently.

We therefore ask the Diocese of Blackburn to join us in prayer for peace in that place and an end to the violence which has led already to the loss of so many innocent lives. 

Pray also to the God who calmed the storm to be at work in the hearts of those immediately involved in making decisions regarding what to do next, so that they might choose peace over perpetual bloodshed.

Finally, pray for God’s wisdom to be found in those who advise leaders across the Middle East and wider world as they consider how to respond. 

+Philip Blackburn

A collect for peace

Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Prayers as a Diocese

We pray daily as a Diocese for Israel and Palestine and through 'Blackburn Prayers' and also the 'Blackburn Daily prayers', distributed daily on email. Sign up here. 

Our prayer: 

We pray for all those affected by the crisis in Israel and Palestine; for the families of all those who have lost their lives; for the displaced and for an end to the bloodshed. We pray that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will bring His peace to the region. Amen. 

Media coverage

Bishop Philip on BBC Radio Lancashire talking about Israel/Gaza

• Sunday, October 22 (listen from 02h 07m 30s)
• Wednesday, October 25 (listen from 02h 15m 12s)
  • Both above available for four weeks from date of broadcast. 

Practical ways to respond

Writing to parishes recently the Bishop's Chaplain, Rev. Sam Cheesman, said: 

Dear Friends

A number of you have been in touch regarding the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza and have asked whether there is a practical way to respond as a diocese. 

You will find below an message from the charity 'Friends of the Holy Land' and an appeal letter attached, both regarding an appeal for funds to be used in ministries both in Israel and in Gaza. 

I am concious that we are in the midst of the Harvest Appeal and very appreciative for all that has been given towards that so please do not take this as another request for giving but rather as an opportunity for those who are considering how best to give at this time. 

With continued thanks

Sam

*************

Dear brothers and sisters,

As you may have seen in the media over these past few days, Archbishop Justin Welby paid a solidarity visit to us in Jerusalem this past weekend in the aftermath of the Gaza War's eruption, and immediately following the bombing of our Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which he and Archbishop Hosam had visited just three days before the outbreak of the war.

During this visit, the two Archbishops decided that at this time of extreme crisis in the Holy Land, they would launch a Joint Appeal, calling for prayers and donations for the hospital's vital work in Gaza, and the ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem throughout the Holy Land which are also being greatly affected by the war.

Friends of the Holy Land is one of the international partners who are set-up to receive donations from this appeal. You may know we are registered as a charity in Palestine and so operate our own bank account with the Bank of Palestine. 

Our Bethlehem branch has advised us that their Gaza branch is still operating at the moment which provides us with a short window to send vital funds to the Al-Ahli Hospital. We have already sent US$10,000 in this way earlier this week.

We stand ready to send funds on your behalf to support the Al-Ahli hospital now to buy the essential purchases outlined in the joint appeal letter at no extra cost to you using our bank. I know there can be delays in sending funding into Jerusalem and the West Bank. our bank details are – Friends of the Holy Land acc. with NatWest Bank plc, Sort Code 60-05-41, A/c number – 24591211 should you wish to move quickly.

With my prayers for your ministry and for all in the treasured Holy Land,

Brendan Metcalfe             

CEO, Friends of the Holy Land         

Ronnie Semley, October 2023, updated regularly