May 8, 2026
The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan gives thanks for the enduring witness of the Christian Church in the Middle East and holds in prayer all who live and serve there.
We are concerned by recent reports of the desecration of Christian symbols and incidents affecting clergy and worshippers. Such actions are a source of grief and underscore the importance of safeguarding religious life and the freedom of worship. We recognize the complexity of the broader conflict and the suffering experienced by many communities.
In this context, we affirm the need to protect holy sites and to uphold the dignity and security of all people.
In keeping with the commitment made at our 191st Diocesan Convention to deepen our relationship with the Church in the Holy Land, we stand in prayerful solidarity with Christians in the region, especially our partners in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (which includes churches and ministries in Israel/Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria) and its bishop, Archbishop Hosam Naoum.
We pray for peace, justice, and the flourishing of all in the land of our Savior.
In Christ,
Image By Edmund Gall – 2014-06 Israel – Jerusalem 090, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34831326