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May 2025

To the People of the Diocese of New Westminster

The situation in Gaza continues to be deeply troubling and is very much on my mind.  I write this letter to you to name my concerns and invite your prayers.   

On May 12, the United Nations published a news release stating that about one in five people in Gaza, about 500,000 people, are facing imminent starvation.  To be clear, this is not due to a lack of food but a blockade that does not allow the supplies that are waiting to reach those in greatest need.  This is intentional starvation and another step in the genocide of the people of Gaza.  This is outrageous.  There needs to be an immediate cease-fire and a quick shift to allow food, water, shelter, health care and other necessary supplies to enter Gaza.  This intentional blockade goes beyond the acts of war to premeditated acts designed to decimate innocent people caught with no safe place to hide.  A change must come immediately.  

UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, recently said, “The risk of famine does not arrive suddenly.  It unfolds in places where access to food is blocked, where health systems are decimated, and where children are left without the bare minimum to survive.  Hunger and acute malnutrition are a daily reality for children across the Gaza Strip.  We have repeatedly warned of this trajectory and call again on all parties to prevent a catastrophe.”    

In our Diocese, we join with our Acting-Primate, Archbishop Anne Germond, and many others who have been calling for a cease-fire for many months.  We join with Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum, of the Diocese of Jerusalem, who said recently: “As Anglicans living in the Lands of the Holy One, and amid the many challenges we face, we share in Pope Leo XIV’s call for the Church to bear witness to God’s love and to be a voice for justice and peace. We also stand in solidarity with all who suffer, seeking to empower and support them.”

In this Season of Easter, the Season of the Resurrection, we pray that light will shine in the darkness, that new life will be seen and known, that love will conquer hate, that God’s grace would be seen, known and lived.  I invite you to join me in praying for the people of Gaza and for all in power and authority in this region.  May the Holy Spirit’s wisdom be known.  I encourage you to write to political leaders to join in urging for a cease-fire and the free-flowing of aid into Gaza.

O God of peace, be with those who suffer in the Gaza Strip.  Be their source of strength and hope.  Bring justice and peace to a region torn by war and violence.  May compassion and mercy be known.  May Jesus’ words of ‘Love one Another’ be transformative and life-changing.  We pray your light to shine now and always.  Amen

Grace and Peace,

+John Stephens
Archbishop of the Diocese of New Westminster