Welcome to Weobley & Staunton Joint Benefice

Since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, and the Israeli government's military response, we have witnessed shocking scenes of violence and brutality. Those speaking out against this   violence (on either side) have also found themselves accused or sidelined in the media (and       social media) in a fraught atmosphere. On the 22nd May the House of Bishops released a press statement on Gaza with which I concur. I commend it to you, and ask that you keep praying for civilians caught up in this conflict, for aid workers, for those seeking to negotiate a truce and for political leaders to seek peace, reconciliation and justice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9) 

Rev Philip

House of Bishops statement on Gaza

22/05/2025

The House of Bishops, which has been meeting in York this week, has issued a statement on the situation in Gaza.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Recalling our Easter statement (April 14, 2025) following the Government of Israel’s bombing of the Anglican Al Ahli Hospital, we cry out in protest at the death, destruction and suffering that men, women and children have endured in Gaza, Israel and the region these last 20 months. We abhor war in all its forms and see it as a sign of human brokenness.              

Nothing justifies the heinous terror attacks committed by Hamas on October 7 2023. In such circumstances nations have a right to self-defence in line with international law, and to hold perpetrators to account .

Yet, the Government of Israel has shown through its statements and actions that this is no longer a defensive war, but a war of aggression. We strongly affirm that the Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza and the West Bank have a right to live in peace and security in their homeland. Any forced displacement of people would constitute an egregious breach of international humanitarian law.                                                                         

We have watched with horror and outrage as siege and starvation are used as a weapon of war in Gaza, and as hospitals and health facilities have been systemically targeted. Over the last three months, the Israeli government’s deliberate denial of food and medical aid to an entire civilian population is an atrocity that defies our common humanity. It is the very definition of collective punishment and has no moral justification.                                                                                                                                                                                       We note that the Israeli Government has been challenged before the International Court of Justice. Starving children cannot wait for legal rulings given that every country has an obligation to prevent crimes against humanity. As Bishops we are compelled to state clearly and unequivocally that the death, suffering and destruction being inflicted on Gaza is a grave sin that violently assaults God-given human dignity and the very integrity of God’s creation.                                                                                                                                                    

We call on all sides to end the war. We call on relevant UN bodies to be allowed to administer all necessary aid in line with long standing humanitarian principles. We call for the immediate release of all hostages without condition. The continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the appalling levels of settler violence, and the forced displacements and house demolitions must cease.                  

We support and applaud all those Jewish voices, both inside and outside of Israel, that are courageously pressing the Israeli Government to end the war. We add our voices to those urging the Government of Israel to turn away from its current trajectory and to affirm life and human dignity for all.                                                                                                                                                                                       We welcome the British Government’s decision (May 20 2025) to suspend negotiations with the Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. This is a necessary first step. Fueling this war by the selling of arms to Israel does not serve the ends of peace consistent with  international humanitarian law. The use of dehumanising language by members of the current Israeli government is dangerous and must be challenged. To maintain the hope of a long-lasting peaceful solution, governments should now formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state. To delay further invites despair. 

For our own part, we commit to pray and to work for an end to this war, the release of all hostages and to support efforts to secure a long-term settlement that delivers security, justice and peace for Israelis and Palestinians. 

We are deeply conscious of the real sense of fear that many within the Jewish community here feel at this moment. We treasure our relations with our Jewish brothers and sisters and will continue to condemn antisemitic rhetoric or action in all its forms. We condemn the shocking and senseless murder of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC.  

We encourage dioceses and parishes to continue supporting the ongoing appeal for the Diocese of Jerusalem, including the restoring of medical facilities and the buildings of the Al Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza. Such efforts reassure our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters and all other Christian communities that they are not forgotten. We give thanks for their steadfastness and faithful witness, and invite churches across the country to join us in praying for their ministry in sharing the light of Christ in such dark times. 

Support the appeal for the Al Ahli Hospital and the ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem 

Rogation Sunday falls on the fifth Sunday after Easter in the Church of England calendar. It takes place in the spring, during the planting season. Rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare – to ask. Rogationtide is a time of asking, asking God’s blessings on emerging crops: a time when churches pray for life and growth during the growing season.

In times gone by when everything depended on the local harvest, this was vital. A failed local harvest meant starvation, so asking God’s blessing was seen as important. Rogation Sunday and the three following Rogation Days commemorate Jesus' final days on earth before his Ascension. They focus on the earth, agriculture, and human dependence on God.

Rogation services often include a prayer walk and blessing of the earth. In some parishes, the tradition of "beating the bounds" is still followed, which involves walking the boundaries of the parish, praying psalms, and asking for God's blessing upon the fields and homes of the parish. Rogationtide also leads to the tradition of seeking reconciliation in personal relationships.

We are holding a Rogationtide walk through local orchards this coming Sunday, 18th May, starting at Byford Church at 3pm and ending at Monnington Church, where we hold a brief service. This will be followed by refreshments, which this year have been generously sponsored by the British Pilgrimage Trust. All are welcome to join us as we pray for the fruitfulness of the harvest and enjoy each other’s company in the beauty of His creation.

Rev’d Philip