Archbishops' Statement on the Middle East Conflict

An Appeal for Peace 

As the third week of escalating conflict unfolds between Iran, Israel, and the United States, we are called to raise our voices in prayer for peace and safety for all of God’s children.
The shifting objectives of the February 28, 2026, strike on Iran, conducted while peace talks were still in progress, alongside the tragic loss of over 150 girls at Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab, raise serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law. This escalation risks igniting a long-term conflict that could involve more Gulf states, further compounding the devastation seen in Palestine and Israel over the past two years.

The toll of this conflict is staggering: over 1,000 lives lost in Lebanon, more than 1,300 in Iran, and dozens of Israelis and Americans. Up to 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran, and over 1 million in Lebanon. Alarmingly, many of these refugees have faced further targeting in subsequent strikes after losing their homes and loved ones.
In these times, we must remember that Christ is present in the families who once gathered for supper and now seek refuge. He is found in the children who were learning in classrooms but now live in fear. He is with those observing Lent, those coming to the close of Ramadan, and those preparing for Pesach, reminding us of our shared life as children of God.

In unity with the calls of Archbishop Hosam Naoum and the Multireligious Council of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR):
Let us pray for the protection of the innocent, including mothers, children, and the elderly of all faiths. We seek divine wisdom for leaders in the United States, Iran, and Israel. May peace negotiators find the courage to foster dialogue that nurtures safety and understanding. Embracing the love and clarity of Te Wairua Tapu, we strive to extend compassion universally. The Church must stand as a beacon of reconciliation; its doors open to dialogue among all faiths.
We lift our hearts in fervent prayer for Archbishop Hosam Naoum and all those who faithfully minister within the Middle East.

“Ā mā te mārie o te Atua, e kore nei e taea te whakaaro, e tiaki o koutou ngākau, o koutou hinengaro, i roto i a Karaiti Ihu."

Yours in Christ,

Archbishop Don Tamihere
Primate & Archbishop

Archbishop Sione Ulu'ilakepa
Primate & Archbishop

Archbishop Justin Duckworth
Primate & Archbishop

Prayer Resources: Collects for peace 

E te Atua Kaha Rawa,
te mātāpuna e puta ake ai
ngā whakaaro pono, rangimārie katoa hoki:
toua tēnā ngākau, tēnā ngākau ki te aroha pono o te rangimārie,
ā, arahina ngā kaiārahi o ngā iwi o te ao
mā ōu whakaaro tapu, mārie hoki
kia māriri te koke whakamua o tōu rangatiratanga,
kia kī rā anō te whenua i te mātau o tōu aroha;
ko Ihu Karaiti, tāu Tama hoki tō mātou Ariki,
e ora ana, e kīngi tahi ana me koe,
i te kotahitanga o Te Wairua Tapu,
kotahi anō Atua, āianei, ā āke tonu atu. Āmine.

Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.