The Diocese of Kimberley & Kuruman in South Africa and the Diocese of Oxford in the United Kingdom are “link dioceses” in the world-wide Anglican Communion. After meeting in Kimberley this week, their bishops issued the following statement:
As the Dioceses of Kimberley & Kuruman and Oxford meet in shared friendship in Kimberley this week, it has been deeply shocking to hear of the suffering in southern Israel and subsequently in Gaza.
Words are insufficient to describe the horror perpetrated through acts of terror against civilians. The ensuing trauma and consequences are deeply personal and local, drawing many vulnerable people, Israeli and Palestinian, into the conflict, but are also shared internationally through our common humanity.
We add our prayers to those of churches and people of goodwill across the world for all who have been affected either directly or indirectly through the terrible violence. Amidst the profound sense of shock and loss our hearts cry out to God for comfort, security and the rebuilding of community.
+Olivia, Bishop of Reading, Diocese of Oxford
+Brian, Bishop of the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman
