We, the Bishops of the Anglican Church of Australia, gathered at Bendigo on Thursday 21st March, 2024, unanimously affirm the following statement.
As we enter into Holy Week, we lament the suffering due to the ongoing war in the Holy Land.
In the spirit of Jesus Christ who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” we pray for a just and lasting peace, for the release of all hostages, and for urgent aid to be delivered to civilians in Gaza.
In praying for peace in the Holy Land, we particularly pray for strength for our Christian brothers and sisters in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank who, under the shadow of war, prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Anglicans across Australia are already praying for peace in this time. We know that this prayer will be shared in every church this Holy Week and Easter.
As we lament the ongoing suffering, we condemn antisemitism and anti-Muslim sentiment which is on the rise in our own society.
We appeal to all Australians to treat others as they would like to be treated, and we commit ourselves to work with other faith leaders for the common good for all Australians.
