Interfaith prayer and action on the Fifth Anniversary of the start of the Iraq War

Episcopalians were part of an interfaith group that meet on March 7, 2008, with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to ask her to support HR 5507. The resolution, according to its title, would require the "safe, complete, and fully-funded redeployment of United States Armed Forces and contractor security forces from Iraq and to prohibit the establishment of any enduring or permanent United States military bases in Iraq, and for other purposes."

The Episcopal Church has opposed the war in Iraq since before its start. In October 2002, the House of Bishops wrote a letter to Congress as the members debated a resolution authorizing military action in Iraq offering the bishops' prayers on their behalf but declaring that, while they recognized the possibility that war is sometimes unavoidable, "we do not believe that war with Iraq can be justified at this time."

God of Mercy, make us instruments of your love, which is not denied to the hungry, the sick, the prisoner, the enemy.

Open our eyes that we may see the need of others.Open our ears that we may hear their cries.Open our hearts that we may assist them.

Teach us to hate division and not seek after it. Give us the courage to persevere in your way of love. And help us this day to do some work of peace for you. Amen -- revision of prayers by Alan Paton