The International Group of the Church in Wales is endorsing the call from fellow Christians in the Middle East for an immediate end to the current hostilities and the siege of Gaza, and for serious and committed efforts to come to a long-term peace agreement.
In particular, the International Group wishes to echo the words of UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-Moon, that the only way to avoid the cycle of violence and the perpetual insecurity in the region, is to address the root causes of the conflict.
Meanwhile, concern is growing for a mobile dental clinic, funded by the Church in Wales, in Gaza. The clinic, with its distinctive Welsh red dragon stickers, operates in the Shejaiyah district of Gaza – an area which has been the focus of recent bombardment. So far, the Church in Wales has been unable to establish contact with the Near East Council of Churches (NECC), which runs the clinic as well as other humanitarian aid projects.
The Archdeacon of Margam, Philip Morris, who chairs the Church in Wales’ International Group, said, “The NECC describes its work as ‘an injection of hope – touching people, healing them, and giving them hope’. The Church in Wales, through its funding of the dental clinic, sees itself as being part of that work, without any political agenda, simply providing humanitarian aid where it is needed, as it has done in many other parts of the world through its Jubilee Fund. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Gaza and Israel at this time. We look forward to hearing news from the Council of Churches in Gaza, and of the dental clinic.”
You can contribute to the work of the NECC through its dental clinic and health centres by sending money or a cheque, made payable to the Church in Wales Jubilee Fund, to The Church in Wales, 39, Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, CF11 9XF.
The International Group of the Church in Wales consists of the World Mission Officers from the Dioceses of the Church in Wales, who deal with Diocesan companion links and direct links with overseas development; and other members who are particularly concerned with international affairs and development.
