The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs
"Pray
for an end to the conflict, an end to violence and the atrocities, that
the needs of the suffering may be supplied, and that peace may
prevail," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
said in calling for a week of prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo from November 26 - December 2. Prayer resources are available here and here.
The following is Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori's call to action:
Our
fellow Anglicans in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to
experience violence and displacement. Since April, there has been a
significant rise in violence promulgated by a new rebel group, M23, and
several existing ones. The violence has caused the displacement of
320,000 within DR Congo, and 60,000 into Uganda and Rwanda.
The
work of the Anglican Church in Congo continues to be of the highest
quality and responsiveness, rooted in the love of Christian for
neighbor. During a visit there in July of 2011, we saw firsthand
evidence of the work done by Mothers Union and other groups on behalf of
the least of these - women, children, and orphans, all victims of the
violence of war. The internal displacement of hundreds of thousands
since then, and the flight of still others into neighboring countries,
has made the situation much worse. Many thousands are living with fear
and insecurity, hunger, sickness, and poverty, while they yearn to
return home and live in peace.
Archbishop
Henri Isingoma of the Anglican Church of Congo asks us to join in a
week of prayer for peace in DR Congo, from 26 November through 2
December, initiated by the Congo Church Association. Pray for an end to
the conflict, an end to violence and the atrocities, that the needs of
the suffering may be supplied, and that peace may prevail.
I
can think of no better way for the Christian world to prepare for the
Advent of the Prince of Peace, and I hope and pray that you will join me
in praying during the week leading up to Advent.
