Holy Land Statement & Prayer
The Campus Ministry team prays for an end to the recent outbreak of violence in Palestine and Israel. Our hearts break at the images of Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, being stormed in these final holiest nights of Ramadan while worshippers were praying. We affirm the sanctity of all religious houses of worship that should never be violated.
We mourn the senseless and tragic loss of life as a result of these escalations where 32 Palestinians, including 10 children, were killed in Gaza and 3 Israelis were killed. May God envelope all those killed in His loving mercy and bestow His serenity on the grieving families. We pray for the countless injured that God may grant them a full and speedy recovery.
We heed the words of Pope Francis who called for everyone in Jerusalem “to seek shared solutions, so that the multi-religious and multi-cultural identity of the Holy City might be respected and that fraternity might prevail”. The Holy Father also explained that “Violence generates only violence”, an important reminder as we work and pray for a lasting peace for all in the Abrahamic Holy Land.
In these final holy days and nights of Ramadan, we join with our Muslim brothers and sisters in praying for God’s peace and blessings upon all the Children of Adam and Eve in Palestine, Israel, and in our whole world.
O God, You are Peace, peace comes from You. Peace returns to you. Grant us peace and grant us entry into your abode, the abode of peace. Blessed and most High are You O Possessor of Glory and Honor.
-Islamic Prayer
The believers are brothers, so make peace between your two brothers and be mindful of God, so that you may be given mercy.
Qur’an 49:10
Seek peace and pursue it
Psalm 34:15
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9