Dunedin priests ask Foreign Minister for Gaza action

A letter to Mr Peters was signed by the Council of Priests chair, Fr Michael Hishon, and was sent on behalf of the priests and Catholic communities of the Diocese. It was sent as a gesture of solidarity with those who are currently suffering in Gaza.

Mr Peters was thanked for signing a joint statement with 22 other countries and the European Union urging that food, medicines and essential supplies be delivered to the people of Gaza.

“We also believe that more needs to be done to bring an end to this tragic situation,” the letter stated.

“We, the priests and Catholic communities of Otago and Southland, urge you to take every opportunity to speak up in defence of the people of Gaza. New Zealand has a great history of speaking up when there are injustices, assisting those who are suffering and advocating for peace. We now need to consider what actions we can take as a nation to ensure a stop to the current violence and to enable a long-term resolution,” the letter continued.

Of the many conflicts in the world, “Gaza is particularly notable for the degree and extent of indiscriminate violence being perpetuated upon the civilian population, including its most vulnerable members”.

“Since October 2023, the situation across the Holy Land has drastically deteriorated and the international community does not appear to be doing anything to bring an end to the violence”, the letter asserted.

A Facebook post from Dunedin Diocese stated: “Many of us may be feeling helpless or overwhelmed by the suffering we see broadcast daily on our screens. But prayer is something we can do. It is a powerful act of faith and solidarity, and a way to hold space for peace, justice and hope.”

On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, there will be a brief prayer service held at 1pm in each of the churches of the Dunedin Diocese for peace in Gaza and throughout the Holy Land. As an act of solidarity, a collection to support Bethlehem University in its interfaith and peace work will be taken up.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand praised the Dunedin priests’ letter, saying it is “heartening to see parishes around the country taking action – and reminding us that faith communities have a vital role to play in speaking up – and advocating for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians and full humanitarian access”.

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Dunedin’s Catholic Diocese and its… – Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand | Facebook

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