10.09.2015
War Makes No Distinctions and Neither Should We – Night of Prayer for Humanitarian Crisis
“War makes no distinction between age, gender or faith and our response to this humanitarian crisis should make no distinction either,” Archbishop Michael Jackson said last night. Speaking at a Vigil of Prayer for the people of Syria in Zion Church, Rathgar, he said that the congregation gathered in Dublin in recognition of and in solidarity with the plight, panic and sorrow of all those people who moved from one place to another, wondering where they may next be rejected.
The night of prayer began with a service of Holy Communion. Throughout the evening there were structured prayers, reflections and silence before concluding at midnight with Compline. Among those leading the reflections were Philip McKinley, the Revd Rob Jones, Margaret Healion, Greg Fromholz and the Revd Stephen Farrell.
Archbishop Jackson said that many of the people were coming from the crucible of Christianity and hoped that the night of prayer would prepare people for action. “Our invitation and our challenge is to welcome these people with mercy and dignity,” he added.
Drawing on the Gospel reading [St Luke 14: 1–14], in which Jesus, when faced with a man who had dropsy, asked the Pharisees and lawyers if it was legal to cure people on the Sabbath or not, spoke about the relationship between self interest and the interests and needs of those who are deprived of health and dignity.
“Jesus is drawing people to bring the values of the Kingdom of God to the lives they live day by day. This is what we are called to do today. We are to refocus our priorities on those who have nothing… We in our own way can stand with those who are witnesses to life itself in their death and life,” he said.
Zion Parish will hold a coffee morning to raise funds to assist in the humanitarian crisis at the rectory on Bushy Park Road, Rathgar, on Monday September 21 from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.
The clothing appeal continues in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. For details of items that are most needed see here: http://dublin.anglican.org/news/2015/09/Saint-Patricks-Cathedral-Dublin-receiving-donations-to-help-the-refugee-crisis
Powerscourt National School is accepting donations of men’s hygiene kits tomorrow (Friday 11 September) between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm. For details see: https://www.facebook.com/enniskerry.calaissolidarity
Bishops’ Appeal has called for prayer, engagement and collections in response to the crisis. For more details see:
Photo Caption: Rector of Zion, the Revd Stephen Farrell, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson; and Zion Parish Secretary, Margaret Healion.