There is a sadness in the land today that spreads throughout the world. The sounds of weeping and sobbing can be heard in the silent places of our hearts and lives, sometimes rising in crescendo until they threaten to drown out all else. At times I look around to see the source of the sobbing, only to discover that source is me, as the sadness comes to claim me.

There is an anger in the land today that spreads throughout the world; the anger expressed because of a failure in diplomacy between nations and people who will most surely lead to the death of men, women, and children on all sides of this conflict; the anger generated from a perception that long-held international relationships may be fractured for some time to come; The anger rising from a frightening estimate of the financial cost of this war which will also limit the possibilities for global relief and support in other areas of life; The anger which manifests itself in horrible acts of violence and terrorism which threaten our security, indeed our very lives. There is an anger in the land.

There is a hope in the land today that spreads throughout the world, and I write to you today to remind you of that hope. As I was writing this piece, I found myself humming, and although it took some time to identify the humming, this is what it was:

Hope for me comes from the conviction that God does hear the sounds of our call; that God does have mercy upon us; that God’s glory is revealed in Jesus, the one who brings peace; and that God does hear, and answer.

In the strength of that hope, there is much for us to be about, and I bid you to consider the following as we seek to live out our lives in this time as communities of hope and faith:

1- Church buildings need to be open, with the lights on, and candles burning, as much as possible and practical. We learned from the experience of 9/11 that people in our communities need to find places of respite and hope; places that welcome without judgment those who seek for holy places and holy ground. More than ever, our places of worship need to be places where there are no outcasts, where all are welcome. Parishioners with a gift for hospitality are especially needed at this time, together with those gifted in prayer. Printed materials for prayer and reflection will be appreciated and well-received and will need to be available near the door.

2- Large, outdoor signs which announce our welcoming, as well as stated times for special times of prayer and guided meditation will be appreciated by the community. Additional celebrations of the Holy Eucharist will witness especially to our community our need to gather together, not for solace only, but for strength; not for pardon only, but for renewal, in order that “the grace of this Holy Communion may make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.” We shall need more frequent opportunities to taste and touch and see the presence of the one who is our peace.

3- Opportunities for prayer will need to be supplemented with opportunities to serve the world in the name of Christ. Names are important at this time. Lists of parishioners and relatives and friends serving in the armed forces or in “at-risk positions” will need to be gathered and maintained and shared. Names can be posted on the diocesan web site.

4- Reaching out to families of those who are serving our country in active and reserve military capacities at this time would be much appreciated. Phone calls and prayers are fine, but sometimes military families experience additional financial stress as well. One congregation with sharply divided opinions about the war, came together by raising funds which are being divided between a discretionary fund to assist unexpected financial needs for military families, and a fund to be set aside for eventual contribution toward the rebuilding of Iraq and Afghanistan.

5- Being sensitive to our children and youth during this time of war will be extremely important. Make some plans for ways to minister to their particular vulnerability, providing extra time for hugs and hands and hearts and security.

6- Be aware of the diversity within your own community, making special efforts to reach out in conversation and friendship to Arab and Muslim neighbors.

7- It is particularly important for clergy and lay leaders not to become weary in well-doing, but to pace ourselves, and to find healthy outlets where we might pay special attention to a balance needed in our lives. We do not know how long this war will last, and loving our neighbor is possible only as we are able to love and care for ourselves. Modeling good healthy lives will be an important part of our ministry to those about us.

8- Clearly there are those who are strongly opposed to this war and/or the process by which we entered it; and there are those who strongly support the war and/or the reasons given for making the decision to engage in it. I believe neither God nor our country will be well-served by allowing this war to polarize us as one side claims more virtue or patriotism over the other. Rather this is a time for us to be tested by our Baptismal Covenant, as we seek to respect the dignity of every human being, seeking and serving Christ in all persons.

9- Here at Episcopal House, prayers will be offered each day, Monday through Friday, at 9:30 AM , together with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist each Wednesday at noon, as we hold you up before God in the compassionate ministry you undertake, as well as the offering of our prayers for peace, and the swift ending of this war.

May God bless us all, as we seek to become instruments of God’s peace.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. John Palmer Croneberger
Bishop of Newark