"At its best, our church is capable of moral clarity and resolute commitment to justice. I believe we can bring those strengths to bear on this gathering storm. Churches like ours, protected by the First Amendment and practiced in galvanizing people of goodwill, may be some of the last institutions capable of resisting the injustice now being promulgated. That is not a role we sought—but it is one we are called to."
- excerpt from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's June 11, 2025 letter, "Acting Faithfully in Troubling Times"
No matter where we stand on the political spectrum these days, I believe we can all agree that we are living in challenging times. And as Christians, we can also all agree that these times cast a sharp new light on the question of discipleship. How do we live into and live up to our faith when developments at home and abroad often seem so completely at odds with what we profess? This is a question we must grapple with not only as individuals, but as a community.
To begin, we should ground ourselves spiritually. The leadership of the Episcopal Church is helping, by offering us relevant weekly prayers in which they ask us to join “as we seek God's guidance to ground us and to discern how each of us can respond.” We share this week’s prayers below, and will continue to provide links to the prayers in future issues of Crossroads. We also invite you to sign up to receive weekly messages, with prayers and action alerts from the Episcopal Public Policy Network, directly in your email inbox.
This is just a first step. As we ground ourselves spiritually with prayer, preaching, study and fellowship, we also seek to discern a path to action. And we invite you all to join us as we do. In coming days, look for and contribute updates on ways we are strengthening our spirituality as people of faith through worship, prayer and contemplation, and engaging with the issues of the day to make a difference as disciples of Jesus.
- The Rev. Anne Derse
For Trans Youth Seeking Healing and Wholeness
Gracious God, you created all people in your image, diverse and united in dignity, reflecting your boundless creativity and unwavering love. In light of the recent Supreme Court decision that allows states to prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, we pray for the youth who feel afraid and will no longer be able to access the care they need. We pray for the parents and family members who must now seek new ways to care for and protect their children. Grant us wisdom and courage so that we may offer support rooted in truth and compassion. May we, like Jesus, who welcomed the marginalized and restored the vulnerable, bear witness to your mercy and grace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Those Affected by Gun Violence
God of peace, you invite your people to beat their swords into plowshares. As we observe Gun Violence Awareness Month, we mourn with those whose loved ones have died from gun violence. Your Spirit, O God, enjoins us to be a people of peace. Your Son has revealed to us a path towards peace, a world where you will wipe every tear from our eyes. Help us live into this promise now on Earth. Amen.
For Solidarity with Refugees
Holy God, you have revealed your Good News through your Son, Jesus Christ, who was an outcast and a refugee. We echo the call of the United Nations on World Refugee Day to “shine a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of those forced to flee.” Strengthen us, as we live out our baptismal calling, to actively seek solidarity with the oppressed. Reveal the plight of all refugees to the world and remind all refugees that they are not alone. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For Yemen
God of mercy and peace, we lift before you the people of Yemen. In this land torn by war and hunger, bring healing where there is pain, hope where there is despair, and peace where there is conflict. Strengthen those delivering aid, protect the vulnerable, and comfort the bereaved. Grant wisdom to leaders and diplomats, soften hearts, and open ears to cries for justice. Stir your church and nations to act, remembering that all are made in your image. Let your peace reign and your justice prevail. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
For Peace Between Israel and Iran
Merciful God, we lament the conflict escalation between the nations of Israel and Iran. In a world torn by hatred and war, help us sow seeds of peace. Grant leaders wisdom, courage, and compassion. Protect the innocent, heal the wounded, and comfort the grieving. Break the chains of violence and lead both nations to reconciliation. Jesus, transform fear into hope. May justice and mercy flow like a river through the Middle East. In Jesus’ holy name, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
Source: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ogr/public-policy-and-witness-weekly-prayers-june-20/