Lord, have mercy

Day two of the General Synod meeting in Westminster and, after Holy Communion, synod settled down to devote most of the morning to a panel discussion on the plight of the persecuted religious minorities of Iraq and Syria.

Their situation is truly dire. We heard some heartrending accounts of their suffering.

There were strong calls for prayerful support and financial assistance. The crucial importance of religious liberty was stressed, not just because the universal declaration on human rights calls for it, but because the doctrine of men and women made in the image of God, demands it.

Bishop Angaelos, the representative of the Coptic Church in synod concluded the panel discussion by quoting from Philippians chapter 1 where the Apostle Paul says:  'I want you to know brothers that was has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone that I am in chains for Christ.'


The session ended with heartfelt prayers for the suffering church led by the Archbishop of York. The repeated refrain was Lord, have mercy; Christ have mercy.

That must be our prayer.