Anglican Communion News Service

Easter Tuesday 2002

The difficulties and pains of life do not stop just because it is Easter, but if I can accept this sign, and trust in God's love for me, then I can have a real sense of joy and peace. Outwardly, I am not necessarily bubbling over with joy, but deep inside me there is a reassurance and an enduring hope that is a solid foundation for my life. From the Jesuits in Ireland

Many churches in the Anglican Communion observe Good Friday as a special day of prayer with a special focus on the Diocese of Jerusalem. Thank you to all who have responded to the needs of Jerusalem at this critical and tragic time. We have had many e-mails of concern sent to us at the Anglican Communion Office.

Our Anglican sisters and brothers in the Middle East are living an existence that cries out for the joy that we celebrate during Eastertide. It is my prayer that we will not forget the Christians who are facing daily humiliation, harassment and serious threats of death, as we continue in this season of hope. These Christians are guardians of the shrines of our faith that could well disappear as they, the people, flee because they are under constant threat.

The situation must change. We have kept silent as a church far too long. The Christian millennium celebrations were marred by the violence and the fear which continue to this day. Our governments, and we represent some 164 countries in our Communion, need to hear from us today. Our alleluias are muffled and are but a whimper, when the sounds of tanks invading Bethlehem or the sound of suicide bombs exploding, drown out our prayers, as do the screams of the innocent caught in the midst of the war.

Pray for peace with justice. Work for peace with justice. Please let the Anglican Communion Office know you are praying as parishes, dioceses, and individuals. We will send your words to the Bishop of Jerusalem and people of the Diocese of Jerusalem. I urge you to read the letters from the Bishop of Jerusalem and the Dean of St George's College, Jerusalem, on our website. Lord make us instruments of justice and peace for all. The Christians and all people of goodwill must not be forgotten in the Holy Land or in any place where lives are in danger and persecution seems uncontrolled.

The Revd Canon John L Peterson
Secretary General, and former Dean of St George's College, Jerusalem