Churches release statement on Syria

Leaders from the Methodist Church in Britain, the Baptist Unionof Great Britain and the United Reformed Church have released thefollowing statement on the crisis in Syria:

"At this time of challenge and uncertainty we pray for thepeople of Syria, thinking especially of those who have suffered ordied as a result of an apparent use of chemical weapons nearDamascus. We also pray for wisdom and discernment from politicalleaders in Britain and other nations. We urge them to take time forcareful consideration and resist hasty response. Syria hasexperienced a cycle of violence for too long. We pray that ournation's response will be guided by the desire to achieve peace andurge our leaders to work with as wide as possible a range ofregional partners and with the United Nations."

The Revd Ruth Gee, President of the MethodistConference
The Revd Stephen Keyworth, Faith and Society TeamLeader, Baptist Union of Great Britain
The Revd Dr Michael Jagessar, Moderator of the General Assembly ofthe United Reformed Church 

The three Churches have also drawn attention to the 27August statement from the World Council of Churches (WCC)condemning the use of chemical weapons and calling on UN to fulfilits responsibility to protect Syrians. See the WCC statement here.

A prayer written by the Revd Ruth Gee, President of theMethodist Conference:

Gracious God,
We pray for all those who suffer from violence;
May they know your healing and peace.
We pray for those who have died and those who are bereaved;
May they be comforted and sustained by your love.
We pray for political leaders in Britain and across theworld;
May they seek wisdom and work together for peace.
May your kingdom come, your will be done
And the earth be filled with your glory.