With the onset of Israel’s ground offensive into Rafah, we call for an immediate ceasefire. The relentless bombardment of Gaza and its huge cost in civilian lives and civilian infrastructure must stop. The manner in which this war is being prosecuted cannot be morally justified. We urge Israel to adhere to the ICJ order and to ensure that Palestinians have access to food, water, healthcare, and safety, that have long been denied to them. We welcome the Foreign Secretary’s recent call for an immediate pause in the fighting and would also welcome further representation to the Government of Israel about the way that it is exercising its right to self-defence and to affirm adherence to international law. We continue to advocate for the release of the remaining hostages and an end to the missile attacks on Israel by Hamas. All sides must begin to imagine a future beyond this conflict: for a just peace for Israelis and Palestinians. This war can’t result in the consolidation of a system of occupation that has for too long denied Palestinians their rights and freedoms. In praying for all those in Israel and Palestine living in the midst of war and the fear of war, we pray particularly for the Palestinian Christian communities, that they may know strength and the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. As we consider the impact of the current conflict in the Middle East on community relations here in the UK, we again condemn all antisemitic and anti-Muslim sentiment. We are horrified by the growing threats and abuses of Jews on university campuses, in our neighbourhoods, and online. We appeal to our communities to be safe for all people whatever their nationality, ethnicity or religion. For our own part, we commit to working alongside our fellow faith leaders for the common good, despite and with our differences. The House of Bishops
Frances White has asked us to inform you that her husband Stephen passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8th.Reverend Stephen arrived as our priest in charge of Dunsfold and Hascombe in 2012 and was with us seven years. In recent times he had retired to Sutton.Stephen was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. He opted to follow a programme of palliative care and has been living in a hospice. Frances has her family staying with her as they come to terms with their loss.Please include the White family in your prayers at this sad time. May Stephen rest in peace and rise in glory.
Following the news shared by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty the King is being treated for cancer, bishops and churches have shared messages of good wishes and prayer for the health of the king, as well as others who are living with cancer or affected by a cancer diagnosis.You can find the short prayer attached.The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, said: "May the healing touch of Jesus be on His servant King Charles to enable to swift and full recovery."The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, wrote: "Praying for His Majesty, for his treatment, and the Royal family as they support him." and the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley posted "Our prayers and best wishes for His Majesty from @NclDiocese"The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, wrote: “Along with many others, praying for His Majesty the King this evening, and also for all who are affected by a cancer diagnosis”. The Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, who wrote “Like many others I will be praying for King Charles and his family in the coming days. May he swiftly return to the life of service at which he so excels.”
After two years we knew Reverend Rutton Viccajee’s time was up as our interim minister and that it was time to say goodbye.But that didn’t stop a high level of sadness pervading his last service at St Peter’s Church, Hascombe and the celebratory lunch that followed it in Hascombe Village Hall.The people turned out in force to offer their thanks and wish Rutton and his wife Kate every happiness in their future life. The Holy Communion service went well, the arrangements for the farewell lunch were exemplary. The chefs of Dunsfold and Hascombe produced an array of fine food to feed the grateful diners.Gifts were presented, Rutton and Kate saluted and our departing priest offered prayers for the challenges that all parties would face going forward as the interregnum began.
