USPG joins with our partner, the Diocese of Jerusalem, in condemning the recent Palm Sunday bombing of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. This is the fifth time the hospital has been hit since the escalation of the conflict in 2023 – this time at the beginning of Holy Week, one of the most important periods of the Christian calendar.

A statement released on 13 April by The Most Revd Hosam Naoum, Archbishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, details the damage:

“The twin strikes demolished the two-storey Genetic Laboratory and damaged the Pharmacy and the Emergency Department buildings. It also resulted in other collateral damage to the surrounding buildings, including the church building of St. Philip’s. We thank God that there were no injuries or deaths as a result of the bombing. However, one child who previously suffered a head-injury tragically died as a result of the rushed evacuation process.”

Al Ahli is the last functioning hospital in Gaza. The hospital has been the focus of our Lent Appeal, as it represents a place of compassion, care, and courage amidst unimaginable devastation. Despite the ongoing conflict, the team at Al Ahli has continued to serve their community around the clock, treating the injured, comforting the grieving, and saving lives with what little they have.

In the statement, Archbishop Hosam urges for support:

We call upon all governments and people of goodwill to intervene to stop all kinds of attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions. We pray and call for the end of this horrific war and the suffering of so many.

Read the full statement

The air strike has caused further damage to a hospital already stretched beyond its limits. Medical staff are risking their lives to keep going, and families still depend on this place for shelter and life-saving care.

In response, please join us in prayer:

Lord Jesus, in this Holy Week, we remember how you walked the road of suffering – carrying the weight of pain, injustice, and human sorrow. Today we lament the bombing of Al Ahli Hospital. We pray that you will be a very present help to the staff, patients and the Diocese of Jerusalem at this difficult time. Though the night feels long, we hold to the hope of Easter – that you have defeated death and light has overcome darkness.
Amen.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 

On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck six regions across Myanmar. The devastating tremor has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. In response to this tragic event, the Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM), in partnership with USPG, is making an official and urgent appeal for your support. The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon urges: 

Myanmar has multiple sufferings and I and the leadership of CPM have multiple pressures. Thank God for it. But please continue to pray for us. 

Across the country, over 3000 lives have been lost and many people are in urgent need of aid. These numbers continue to rise. Many survivors remain trapped under the rubble with the risk to life increasing as time passes by. People who have escaped immediate harm are struggling to find basic necessities for survival.  

Recent reports also indicate the destruction of 36 Anglican churches, including Christ Church cathedral in Mandalay. The response from the Church of the Province of Myanmar is centred around the Diocese of Mandalay and the Diocese of Taungoo, two regions where the damage is very severe. The magnitude of this crisis is overwhelming, and the Church of the Province of Myanmar and its dioceses cannot meet these urgent needs alone. 

The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon added:

Myanmar, including the CPM, is enduring immense hardships due to multiple challenges. However, as the saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” In this spirit, we humbly and earnestly appeal to you for your support in aiding CPM’s relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of this devastating earthquake. Your contribution can serve as a beacon of hope and compassion for those in desperate need.

In 2001, the military led a coup that resulted into civil war – leaving over 3 million people internally displaced. The earthquake is therefore another significant hit to people who are already struggling to survive. During a recent solidarity visit to Myanmar, The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor was deeply moved by the strength and faith of the local Church.

Our time with the House of Bishops was very special. Each bishop described the reality on the ground and shared how our sisters and brothers have repeatedly demonstrated immense courage and humility in the face of many ongoing challenges. USPG is committed to standing together in solidarity, prayer and support with the Church of the Province of Myanmar.

USPG is supporting a church-led response based on updates from our partner, the Church of the Province of Myanmar. We invite you to join in prayer and to donate to our Rapid Response Fund.

Please join us in prayer:

O Lord, who stilled the waves and quieted the winds, who is the sure foundation of our church, and who is the small voice of calm that spoke through the earthquake, wind, and fire, have mercy on us.

When the very earth beneath our feet gives way, and swallows up countless, have mercy on us.

When the buildings around us collapse in a flash, and rubble is all that is left of our homes, have mercy on us.

When those we love and hold dear in life are snatched away in an instance, when uncertainty and fear are all that is in our hearts, and when all around is tragedy, have mercy on us.

For you alone are our Father of mercies and the God of all consolation. Comfort, o Lord, the families who now are gripped by terror in Myanmar and Thailand. Spare the innocent, and give strength to those who are still clinging on to life, awaiting rescue. Give hope to the responders and rescuers, that with every fibre of their arms they might give hope to those who are trapped. Send your Holy Spirit to all the people of Myanmar and Thailand, that they may come together in this time of trial, putting down past divisions, and do what ought to be done with one common purpose.

As the earth stops quaking, let our hearts yet be still and firm. Into your healing hands we entrust our path ahead. This we pray in the name of Christ, who is our comforter, our restorer, and our sustainer.

Amen.

By The Most Revd Andrew Chan, Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui & Bishop of Western Kowloon

From 11-16 March 2025, St Andrew’s Theological Seminary in Quezon City, Philippines, hosted USPG’s Asia Theological Accompaniment Programme (ATAP), a recurring initiative that brings together theological leaders from across Asia to foster dialogue, exchange expertise, and strengthen institutional resilience. This year’s gathering brought together around thirty church leaders, Principals and Deans and other mission practitioners from diverse theological institutions to discuss the theme of ‘Decolonial Discipleship: Asian Explorations of the Five Marks of Mission’.

The Five Marks of Mission are:

• To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
• To teach, baptise, and nurture new believers
• To respond to human need by loving service
• To transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence, and pursue peace and reconciliation
• To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

Throughout the conference, theologians from across Asia presented papers that explored the contextual applications of these Five Marks of Mission, fostering rich discussions on the evolving role of mission and theological education in Asia. ATAP continues to be a crucial platform for theological institutions to collaborate, reflect, and strategise on issues facing theological education and leadership in the region.

The Right Reverend Dushantha Rodrigo, Bishop of Colombo, shared the following reflection:

The Revd Adrian Aaron, our director of the Cathedral Insitute of Education and Formation, and I participated in the conference [in Manila]. Together with [other] Churches in the Anglican communion and USPG we witnessed, prayed and learnt from each other.

Also in attendance, The Revd Misa Furumoto, who shared about her experience as a Priest at St. Agnes Church in the Diocese of Kyoto, Nippon Seikokai (Anglican Church in Japan).

Engagements Beyond ATAP: Strengthening Partnerships

Some participants from the ATAP also gathered in Auckland for a significant gathering of Anglican Seminary Deans from East Asia and Oceania. This pivotal event reimagined theological education, offering fresh perspectives through an Indigenous lens.

Also, representatives from USPG—The Revd Dr Peniel Rajkumar, Nadia Sanchez, and The Revd Davidson Solanki— took the opportunity to visit the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). During the visit, they engaged in discussions with IFI leaders, including The Rt Revd Dindo D. Ranojo, General Secretary, The Revd Edoi, Programme Director as well as the IFI Youth President Koko. IFI, known for its radical and prophetic ministries, plays a critical role in advocating for Indigenous communities in the Philippines. The meeting focused on various mission initiatives and further deepening partnerships.

As part of the visit, USPG also extended solidarity greetings to the newly installed Prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, The Most Revd Nestor D. Poltic. His installation as the 8th Prime Bishop took place on 12 March at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John in Manila. Please join us in prayer for this new chapter of his ministry, and for the continued growth and witness of the Anglican Church in the Philippines.

As part of February’s General Synod, USPG hosted a fringe event spotlighting the work of the Diocese of Jerusalem amid the ever-changing and challenging conflict in the Middle East. As the Church’s response in Gaza was not part of the official agenda for General Synod, the event offered an opportunity for people to gather, hear updates and pray for what is undoubtedly a dynamic and fragile situation. 

The start of 2025 has already brought new complexities to an already tricky political landscape. Speaking via livestream, The Most Revd Hosam Naoum, Archbishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem shared:

We live in a place that is so unpredictable. It is impossible to imagine what might happen next. Even though the missiles have stopped, the anticipation and uncertainty remain.

Uncertainty is the prevailing theme for many on the ground. Jamie Eyre, CEO, Embrace the Middle East, highlighted that the daily reality for displaced Palestinians is harsh—many do not know where their next meal will come from, and countless individuals are suffering from the physical and psychological effects of war.  

The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary, USPG and The Revd Davidson Solanki, Senior Regional Manager for Asia and the Middle East, USPG both expressed that the Anglican witness in the region is nothing short of remarkable. Al-Ahli Hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, is one of the very few in the region that remains open. The staff work tirelessly against the odds to provide life-saving medical treatment. The hospital is not without its scars but stands strong as “a beacon of hope” added The Most Revd Hosam Naoum.  

On behalf of the Diocese of Jerusalem, The Most Revd Hosam Naoum also expressed his deep gratitude to Anglican partners such as USPG for their solidarity, prayers, and ongoing support. He acknowledged their crucial role in keeping hospitals and clinics open and extended his thanks to bishops for their advocacy in the House of Lords.  

We were honoured to be joined at the event by The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester and The Rt Revd Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, who praised the front-line ministry of the Diocese of Jerusalem. In a context where advocacy can be quickly politicised in favour of one side or another, the Bishop of Gloucester emphasised that God’s equity, justice and mercy must encompass all sides. Echoing the Archbishop, she added that “everyone deserves to live in dignity, freedom and security.” 

Looking ahead, the situation remains unpredictable. Yet God’s call to make a stand is clear. Jamie Eyre, Embrace the Middle East, concluded:

We must support where we can: listening, praying and speaking up for equity. Justice is the theme of God’s Kingdom and we are invited to play a role in advancing it.

The ceasefire (however fragile it might be) does not mean the challenges are over—there is still a long road ahead. The Diocese of Jerusalem continues its vital work, and your support remains essential.  

Let us pray: 

Gracious and loving God, 

We commend to you the people of Palestine and Israel, and the whole Middle Eastern region. We pray for the Diocese of Jerusalem that continues to be a shining light. We give thanks for their work, ministry and witness. We pray for Archbishop Hosam, please continue to bless him, guide him and give him the wisdom and strength that he needs. We pray for all those working for peace and reconciliation. We commit ourselves once again to our ongoing support for those who need it most as we continue to pray for peace with justice and the dignity of all people. Make us people of peace in the lives we lead. We ask this in Jesus’ name. 

Amen 

To donate, visit: lent.uspg.org.uk 

There are also a range of free resources available via the link above including a ready-made presentation, video and images to share online or as part of a church service or fundraising event. Or get in touch at 020 7921 2200 or info@uspg.org.uk.