London: Christians pray and march for Middle East peace

Christians for Palestine, St Matthew's, Westminster

Christians gathered for ecumenical prayers in St Matthews Church, Westminster, on Saturday, before joining the Christian Bloc on the latest National March for Palestine.

After a welcome by the Rector of St Matthews, Fr Philip Chester, this gathering statement was read, reminding all that it was All Souls Day when the Church comes together to remember all who have died:

"This day also marks the 107th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration… which was instrumental in the creation of the state of Israel, the dispossession of the Palestinian people and many decades of oppression and violence.

"With lament we recall the role played by Christian Zionist theology in this dark history. This same theology continues to be employed today as a pretext for ongoing ethnic cleansing, apartheid and genocide.

As we gather for prayers on this All Souls Day - mourning every life taken in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon and across the Middle East - we refuse to let our faith be used to justify so many atrocities. We are united in our belief in a gospel of liberation. None of us are free until all are free."

The following prayers written by Palestinian Christians were then read out:

"As the genocide in Gaza continues we cry out with the Psalmist 'we face death all day long. We are considered like sheep to be slaughtered (44:22) It is hard to finds you Jesus at this moment amid immense suffering and death in Gaza. Yet, we know you are there, among those who are starving , buried, burnt. God of Justice we ask for an end to all forms of oppression and the courage to stand with those suffering under it."

"Gracious God in a broken world teetering on the edge of despair and darkness we find redemption. In your holy name, Despite the destruction around us we hold steadfast to the example of Christ the Liberator who stood unmoving at the face of empire. Instil in us that same spirit, so that our collective strength will rise above the force of war and empire and bring them closer to your grace and goodness."

"Merciful creator we come before you with heavy heart grieving the deepening conflict and the rise of further suffering for all peoples this region. Lord we lift up all people caught in the cross fire - those living under occupation , those fearing for their lives and those struggling to find hope amid the violence. We ask that your spirit of peace dwell among us. Empower the voices calling for justice and peace to rise above the noise of war. Transform the hearts of soldiers, leaders and all in power so that they become instruments of peace rather than participants in harm. May your will, which is peace for all peoples, be done on earth as in heaven."

After the service ended, participants from many denominations, including Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, Quakers (and two dogs) processed out to join the main march to the American Embassy, led by a drummer.

One of the marchers, Jenny Rossiter from Kentish Town told ICN: "I had to join the service on All Souls Day to remember all those lives that have been cut short by this hideous conflict."

Judy Wales, an American visitor to London from Seattle who joined the march said: "My country bears so much responsibility for what is happening in the Middle East. I'm praying that we elect a president that will stop arming Israel and bring peace and justice to the region."

The demonstration was largely peaceful. Jenny told ICN that there were two small Zionist groups - one on a bus with a loud air raid siren, and another on a street corner, but they were surrounded by a police cordon.

Among the speakers scheduled to speak at the US Embassy, was Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, Sarah Agha, Palestinian actress and writer, Hamza Stitan, Palestinian activist, Lindsey German, convenor at Stop the War coalition, and Ben Jamal, director of Palestinian Solidarity Campaign.

LINK

Christians For Palestine: www.facebook.com/search/top?q=christians%20for%20palestine%20-%20uk