Greetings, Friends!
“Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church and the World.” This cherished bidding of the worship assembly’s prayer is replaying on a mental loop these days. The Church is praying, perhaps more intently these days for the world. The 79th General Convention has mandated prayers for Venezuela. Venezuela is the newest diocese of The Episcopal Church.
The Convention could not have known that in 2020 the peoples of the world would be trying to survive a pandemic. Thanks be to God that the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. The people of Venezuela were already in the midst of a political and humanitarian crisis, causing residents to flee to other countries for refuge. As they are trying to survive COVID-19, the U.S now classifies the Venezuelan government as a state sponsor of drug trafficking and terrorism. The world needs the church’s prayer, including Venezuela.
The Legislative Committee on World Mission presented Resolution A215, commending the following actions to The Episcopal Church: pray, advocate, and urge.
- Convention called us to pray regularly and advocate for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Venezuela.
- Convention urges us to continue support for all Venezuelans.
- Convention calls us to urge the Presiding Bishop to designate the first Sunday in October as a day of prayer for the Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela and the people of Venezuela.
A215: Express Solidarity with the People of Venezuela
Resolved, That the 79th General Convention acknowledge the difficult circumstances the nation of Venezuela faces; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention express its solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Venezuela as it continues to further the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention call on The Episcopal Church to pray regularly and advocate for a peaceful resolution of the crisis facing our sisters and brothers in Venezuela, and urge continued support for all Venezuelans, including those who have migrated to other countries; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention urge the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church to designate the first Sunday in October as a day of prayer throughout The Episcopal Church for the Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela and the people of Venezuela.
The one thing we can all do right now is pray. Pray for the world, the victims of COVID-19, and the people of Venezuela.
Let us pray –
A Prayer for the People of Venezuela
Almighty God, source and grantor of Shalom for all the world; hear our prayer for the people of the Diocese of Venezuela, all residing within her See as well as those who have fled for their safety and well-being. May they find the paths that make for peace, and give us the courage to walk alongside them. May your saving help be known among all nations. This we ask through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.
For more information:
https://episcopalchurch.org/posts/ogr/statement-venezuela
https://www.cfr.org/report/venezuelan-refugee-crisis
https://www.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution-complete.pl?resolution=2018-A215
~ The Rev. Anthony Estes, Resolution Review Committee, Diocesan Council
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