news article
From the desk of Bishop Héctor- Violence in the Middle East (Palestine-Israel)
October 11, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent via email to United Methodists of Upper New York on Oct. 11 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the violence in the Middle East.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Dear United Methodists of Upper New York,
This past weekend, we woke up to the horrible news of violent attacks from Hamas against Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of many innocent lives. As I write these lines, the situation has sadly deteriorated, with children, women, and foreigners being taken as hostages and killed, homes, places of worship and hospitals being bombed into rubble, and a formal declaration of war between Hamas and Israel.
As disciples of Jesus Christ and United Methodists, “we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict.” As stated in our Social Principles, political and social turmoil can be caused by many issues, including economic disparity, environmental degradation, gender inequity, racism and xenophobia, and illness and disease. So, if we want peace, “we must be committed to disrupting these conditions and systems that perpetuate injustice.” (UM Social Principles)
In response to this unfolding situation, I invite all United Methodists in Upper New York to,
- Pray for the immediate end of violence in the Middle East, for all the innocent lives impacted by these heartbreaking acts of violence, and for the decision-makers in this conflict. Hence, they prioritize life over death, peace over war, and reconciliation over alienation.
- Listen to the different stories and perspectives of those directly impacted by this ongoing conflict and about the political, social, and religious factors that are contributing to this ongoing conflict so that we can join them in imagining life-giving ways to journey to a reality of peace with justice in the region.
- Care for those in your community who might be impacted by this war and offer them compassion and support in concrete and meaningful ways that lead to healing and wholeness.
- Give special offerings in your congregation directed to our United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to assist in providing shelter, food, and other resources to those left helpless by the war.
During these challenging times, may the peace of God guard our hearts, the grace of Christ strengthen our hope, and the Holy Spirit lead us as we continue living the gospel and being God’s love with our neighbors in all places.
Paz,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving United Methodist of Upper New York