Dear
friends of St. Paul’s,
As
our national leaders weigh the moral decision of whether to take military
action in the conflict in Syria, we as people of faith are called to common
prayer that peace will prevail and suffering will end. Each Sunday we pray for
our leaders and for all those in harm’s way. In this time of national debate,
it is particularly important that we hold in prayer all those whose lives will
be affected by the decisions of our elected leaders.
People of all the Abrahamic faiths – Jewish, Christian and
Muslim – are responding especially to Pope Francis’ call to prayer and fasting
this Saturday. I am aware of many Episcopal churches and cathedrals across the
country that are holding prayer vigils Saturday. However, with a football game
near our church it is not practical for us to hold such a vigil in our
building. But I would ask that all of us find time on Saturday to pray for
peace and an end to the violence in Syria and elsewhere in our world.
I
also would urge all of us to be mindful that there are people of good will and
strong faith on both sides of the issue on whether to intervene militarily in
Syria. We need to be respectful of each other’s viewpoints, and especially hold
each other in prayer.
I
also want you to know that I met privately on Thursday with U.S. Rep. Robert
Hurt, who represents our region in Congress. I assured him that we are praying
for him, the Congress, and President Obama. I urged him to set aside political
and election calculations and vote his conscience, as the Lord guides him.
I
was asked to give Rep. Hurt a letter from Christian leaders in Syria
representing the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, which is a
member of the World Council of Churches of which we are also a part. In their
letter, the Syrian Christian leaders condemned chemical attacks “that have
caused immense suffering,” but they also urged military restraint. “We appeal
for help to stop violence and help bring about peace and social justice –
violence only breeds violence, and justice enhances life. Help the Syrians have
life, life in its abundance.”
I
would humbly ask that we stand together as people of faith, and that we
continue to pray that God’s justice and peace will prevail here on earth.
Blessings,
Jim
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