13 September 2025

Dear People of God in Cascadia,

This past month has been particularly difficult with the escalation of violence around the world. The events in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia threaten to escalate war beyond those borders. The tensions and the ongoing war in the Middle East routinely bring hard news that adds to the weight. The persecution and murder of Christians in Congo and Nigeria, and other places cause deep pain. And locally, in our own country, with the horrific events in North Carolina in which we all have witnessed the brutal slaying of Iryna Zarutska, the violence appears to be escalating beyond bearing.

This week’s news out of Utah added to the pain and heaviness. The assassination of Charlie Kirk feels like something has changed in our culture on a deep level. The grief and pain of this loss impacts so many of us personally, especially our young people. As we think of Charlie’s wife, Erika, and his children having to bear the reality of the future without husband and father, our hearts break even further. Regardless of whether we agreed with Charlie Kirk’s positions, it is clear that he loved the Lord Jesus and was bold to proclaim the Gospel.

These are difficult times. They are scary times for some of us. While it may feel like we face a future that seems more and more uncertain and dangerous, we as believers in Jesus have a hope that is not dependent on the uncertainties of the world around us. I’m reminded of Psalm 61:2, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” That rock is Jesus. While the tempest and waves crash all around us, he is the firm foundation. Jesus is the answer for this world’s fallenness. He is the hope for the world. It is during seasons like this that we must turn with more intention to him; to pray diligently for the victims, the people who feel so much pain and confusion, and ourselves as we deal with such events. And we must also be ever more bold to share the hope we have in Christ to those who are desperately seeking it.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, be of good faith and lean more deeply on Jesus. Hold each other up and bear these burdens together at the foot of his cross. He is faithful and his steadfast love never comes to an end. He is here with us.

Let us join our voices with other Anglicans in the ACNA and pray:

For Peace

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen.

For the Mission of the Church

Ever living God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for our Enemies

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconcile before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop +Jake Worley Anglican Diocese of Cascadia