St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

"It has been over a month since Hamas led its brutal campaign of horrific violence and death against Israel. The war, brought on by Hamas violence, has led to the deaths of thousands more, and the toll is surely going to rise before the dust settles. During these difficult, and often confusing, times we feel that it is imperative for us to take a firm stance so that our community knows where their faith leaders stand. We, the Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council, firmly stand against all acts of antisemitism and Islamophobia. We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who were killed or injured in the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. We also extend condolences to those who know someone who has since been killed in the resultant war. We stand in solidarity with the nation of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. We stand in solidarity with Palestinians, their right to self-determination, and Muslim communities worldwide. We vehemently condemn all acts of terror, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. The mission of the Wyoming Valley interfaith Council has always been to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence among all faith groups, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to these ideals. Therefore, we call upon all communities of faith to join in solidarity against terrorism, hatred, and intolerance. It is crucial that we stand united, and work towards fostering a peaceful and harmonious society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude towards the countless individuals and organizations working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those who have lost so much due to Hamas and their supporters. May those who wish to harm the innocent falter, and may we all soon heed the prophetic call that every sword may become a plowshare, every spear a pruning hook. And may the one who makes peace in the high heavens grant a lasting peace to us and all the world." Father Tim is a member of the Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council Keep praying! Wednesday 15 November was the 40th day of this conflict. I need not tell you the significance of "40 days" for us as Christians and for our Jewish elder siblings in the faith as we share with them as sons and daughters of Abraham! There is another layer of significance in this that I will name. We have short attention spans. The war in Ukraine confirmed this fact, and continues to reveal this shortsightedness. I believe that we can and must acknowledge that the one and the ones who have most benefited from this violence in the Holy Land are the President of Russia and the nation of Russia. The suffering of Ukrainians is slipping off our radar. My fear, as we anticipate how long this conflict in the Holy Land could endure, is that something may put this on the back burners of our attentiveness very easily. This must not happen! Keep praying! And as we pray, remember that a fundamental aspect of our Anglican theology and tradition is that our prayers shape us, our reactions, our awareness, our proclamations, and our search for God's justice on earth as in heaven! Yours, in the Peace that God promises, in God's own time, Fr. Tim+