Our prayers go out to the people of Israel who have suffered terrorist attacks by Hamas. The barbarity of the killings is unimaginable.
We must work to see all sides and seek a common path in all conflicts. It is also important to speak out against evil.
Now, Israel is retaliating by bombing the Gaza Strip, which will lead to more innocent civilian casualties. Many in that region have no control over Hamas, which operates a police state. Our prayers go out to the innocent people of Gaza who will be placed in the crossfire.
We must pray for peace in the world. We must also look within ourselves to reduce our hatred of others.
In the past month, I’ve been in touch with peace activists in Israel interested in the cultural translation program I’ve created. The potential to engage with this type of work will likely be lost for a while, but, in the end, it will be the only long-term solution.
My sermon this Sunday on the Tower of Babel will speak to the dangers of ideologies. My hope is the Church of the Holy City can be a place that teaches strategies for peace.
