Slideshow image

June 16, 2025


Dear friends in Christ,

I invite you to join with me in praying for peace in the Middle East and for our partner church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).

For nearly two years, the people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem have been suffering under devastating violence. Now, rather than an end to this bloodshed that we have prayed for, we are facing a war of a new scale that threatens to engulf the entire region in catastrophe. Israel’s recent attacks on Iran are a dangerous escalation of tensions in the region, to which Iran has already begun their retaliation. . . 

. . . Our relationship with the ELCJHL is long-standing and I am deeply concerned for our siblings in the region. Prior to this recent escalation, I was able to be with Bishop Azar and the members of the ELCJHL to see and hear first-hand how the ongoing war has restricted their movement and is dimming their hope. This visit was a reminder to the people of the ELCJHL that they are not alone. Our presence, prayer and accompaniment is a vital expression of our shared faith and commitment to justice and peace.

Let us pray:

God of Hope, we pray for all those impacted by war, death and destruction. We lift our eyes to the one who brings comfort, peace and justice to the world—our Lord Jesus Christ. Even as the ground shakes beneath our feet, we keep our trust in Christ. Holy One, bring an end to this violence and guide our work for true peace throughout Gaza, Israel, the Westbank, and the whole Middle East. Amen.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Susan C. Johnson,

National Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)

Read/download the full letter here.