Clergy from the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf gathered last week for a Zoom meeting organised by Bishop Sean, to hear Archbishop Hosam’s reflections about ongoing conflict in the region: how we might think theologically; how we might pray and how we might offer practical support to those in need.
Archbishop Hosam described his diocese of Jerusalem as “bleeding”. Nowhere is safe; its people are exhausted. Tens of thousands of businesses have closed; tourists and pilgrims come no more. In Gaza, where so many have been killed, the destruction of infrastructure and economic life is total, and there is no escape from the violence. Travel is difficult throughout the West Bank, Israeli cities and of course in Lebanon. Many people who are able to, are escaping the anxieties and psychological trauma, and leaving the region. It is the worst war in many people’s living memory, he said.
Whilst there is a sense that “the whole system is collapsing,” Archbishop Hosam was proud to say that of the more than 2000 employees in the Church’s Institutions – schools, hospitals and social centres – none have lost their jobs. Very small amounts of aid trickle through, including for Al Ahli Hospital, which is receiving barely any supplies or fuel. Yet, barring a few days, the hospital has managed to function throughout. The financial strain is acute. Congregations manage to meet in heroic circumstances. In Acco, in northern Israel, services were maintained after a bomb shelter had been built. Church life goes on. There had been an ordination, and the normal pastoral work of the clergy continued apace.
For theological reflection, the Archbishop found that the Letter to the Romans provided a number of examples of the power of hope that builds resilience. Asked how, in this situation, the Church could speak truth to power, the archbishop said that it was important to keep communication channels open with all parties and so not to antagonise any one constituency. In answer to Bishop Sean’s question of how and whether reconciliation and forgiveness might be possible, he reflected that it is easier to be a fanatic than a reconciler, but he remained hopeful that people would be chastened by their experience, once the war was over, and would be ready to build.
Archbishop Hosam was grateful for the strong partnership he was experiencing, with Bishop Sean and the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, and really appreciated that the Bishop was launching an Advent appeal for the Diocese of Jerusalem. He said,
I’m grateful to each and every one of you, wherever you are, in the Gulf or in Cyprus or elsewhere. Thank you for your prayers, for your support, and for being companions and sojourners on this path of pilgrimage within the Province.
Read the longer account of the meeting here
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Posted 15/10/2024