The Archbishops are urging all Anglicans in this province to pray this coming Sunday (August 24) for those in Iraq living in fear of their lives, livelihoods, and ways of living and believing.

The Archbishops’ call to prayer is in response to the violence in Iraq that has included the slaying of Christians, Yazidis and other Iraqi minorities; the destruction and looting of churches, homes and places of business; and the displacement of thousands who are under the threat of death.

The Archbishops have suggested that the following collect could be used, as part of the Prayers of the People:

Eternal God,

In whose perfect kingdom

No sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness,

No strength know but the strength of love:

So mightily spread abroad your Spirit,

That all peoples may be gathered

Under the banner of the Prince of Peace,

As children of one Father

To whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen

(That collect is taken from P815 of the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. TEC’s Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefferts Schori, invoked it this week as she urged Episcopalians to prayer for Iraq.)

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Archbishop Winston Halapua, Bishop of Polynesia;
Archbishop Philip Richardson, Senior Bishop of the New Zealand dioceses;
Archbishop Brown Turei, Bishop of Aotearoa.