The statement, reproduced in full below, deplores all violence against innocent civilians and urges us to pray for all involved, offering a copy of the prayer of Archbishop Naoum of Jerusalem.  It can be viewed online via this link

We have watched with horror the appalling violence that has taken place over the past days in Israel and Gaza as we have seen families devastated, communities shattered with countless lives lost.

There is no justification for the intentional killing and hostage taking of innocent people. We join in the call for an immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor into Gaza to allow the safe delivery of food, water and medicine to those in dire need.

We are all called to live side by side in peace and harmony, we pray with all of our hearts for those grieving the loss of loved ones, those who are living in terror, the many people whose lives are being torn apart, the injured and those without food and shelter.

We encourage you to pray for peace and reconciliation, and for the de-escalation of the war in Israel and Gaza.

We ask you to join in this prayer offered by Archbishop Naoum of Jerusalem:

"O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering: we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen

+Helen-Ann Newcastle

+Mark Berwick