CAPTION: Bishop Moira with clergy from across Cyprus and the Gulf at their February Synod gathering in Bahrain
Bishops Call for Prayer for Cyprus, the Gulf and Wider Middle East as Conflict Escalates
Devon’s Anglican bishops have called for Christians in the county to respond to a request from the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf to pray for all those caught-up in the current conflict in the Middle East.
The Diocese of Exeter is officially linked with the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. At least six countries in the diocese, which covers Cyprus and a number of the Gulf states, have been hit by drone strikes or missiles since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday.
Bishop Mike with Bishop Sean in Cyprus last October
The Bishops of Exeter, Plymouth and Crediton, said in a joint statement:
“Further to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, we are conscious that the priests and people of our link diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf face a dangerous and unpredictable situation.
“We have been in touch with Bishop Sean Semple, who has explained that already there has been some emergency evacuations of parishioners who live close to military bases which have been targeted.
“Furthermore, due to the escalating volatility there is deep anxiety about the near future and how this conflict will unfold.
Both Bishop Mike and Bishop Moira have visited the diocese recently and Bishop James has visited previously, and we know that there are many in the Diocese of Exeter with personal connections with our link diocese.
“We have expressed to Bishop Sean our concern and desire to be of assistance in any way we can and at present he is very keen to have our prayer support.
“Can we encourage you in your personal prayers, as well as in corporate acts of worship to pray for a swift end to the conflict and a just peace; for God’s protection over all people and especially the priests and people in our link diocese; and for the Holy Spirit’s strength and guidance to bear witness to the faith, hope and love of Christ in traumatic times.”
You can find a message and suggested prayers from the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, here. The diocese is part of the Archdiocese of Jerusalem. You can read a message from the Archbishop of Jerusalem here.
