PRAY WITH THE WORLD CHURCH
10 June – 6 October 2018
PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS FROM THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
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USPG, Harling House, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS 020 7921 2200 info@uspg.org.uk www.uspg.org.uk/pray ISSN 1742-4623 Registered charity number 234518 You are welcome to use this publication for public worship. Please note that the views expressed do not necessarily represent the official position of USPG.
PRAYING FOR JUSTICE Engaging with justice brings us close to the heart of what God requires of us. As we engage with issues of justice we align ourselves with those who are forced, most often by the actions of others, to live on the margins: the poor, the dispossessed, the oppressed, migrants, women, children... Throughout the Anglican Communion, churches are speaking out, standing in solidarity, advocating and acting for justice. The voices we hear in this prayer diary speak from different contexts and across a breadth of issues. They each invite us to join with them in prayer that will strengthen them in their pursuit of justice. ‘He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?’ (Micah 6:8). The Revd Tim Harford Director for Communications, USPG
10–16 JUNE A REFLECTION FROM BRAZIL Article by the Rt Revd Marinez Rosa dos S Bassotto, of the Diocese of the Amazon, who is the first woman bishop in Brazil. In Brazil, we are living in dark times and suffering from the loss of basic rights. Many conservative Christian groups justify discrimination and even reinforce the subjugation of people, especially women, using the Bible. The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil (IEAB) has always supported human rights. For example, in 1984 IEAB passed the ordination of women to all three orders, with the first female ordination happening in 1985. However, it was almost 33 years before IEAB elected a woman to the episcopate (with my appointment). But with this barrier now broken, IEAB has taken a decisive step towards gender justice, and hopefully we will have other women bishops soon. An interesting part of this story is that such renewal comes from the Amazon, which is a relatively young diocese with an extensive area but a sparse Anglican presence. The region is home to a hospitable people and is culturally rich. But it is also a place of many social inequalities. One challenge facing the church is to be present in the lives of those who suffer and to share God’s love by becoming truly inclusive and welcoming.
Sunday 10 June: 2nd Sunday after Trinity Loving Lord, we thank you that you create us all equally, in your own image, and as one inclusive family. Inspire your church to work to overcome inequalities, that the world may see your justice in our midst. Monday 11: Barnabas the Apostle Pray for strength and wisdom for Bishop Marinez following her appointment as the first woman bishop in Brazil (see article). Tuesday 12 Pray for an end to discrimination in Brazil. Pray that all Christian groups in Brazil, and around the world, will seek justice for all. Wednesday 13 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil in reaching out to the vulnerable and marginalised. Thursday 14 Pray that the government in Brazil might seek the welfare of all people rather than favouring a wealthy elite. Friday 15 Pray for anti-human trafficking operations in Brazil. Pray that the world would unite to fight the abomination of trafficking. Saturday 16 Pray for an end to the deforestation and exploitation of the Amazon rainforest which is damaging local communities and the eco-system.
17–23 JUNE A REFLECTION FROM SOUTH KOREA Article by the Revd Prof Jeremiah Yang, Dean of St Michael’s Provincial Anglican Seminary in Seoul. In the 1990s, Prof Yang studied in England with a bursary from USPG. Over a period of just 50 years, Korea has undergone the kind of industrialisation that Europe experienced over a period of several centuries. This rapid transition into a technological society has destroyed community relationships and created spiritual and psychological problems. A spirit of commercialisation dominates every aspect of life, turning people into commodities. Children and students are highly anxious as they turn themselves into commodities for sale at the highest possible price in the employment market. The church’s task is to provide people with an alternative. In this context, how can we proclaim the gospel and Christian values? This conundrum is being tackled by Anglicans in Korea. We’re looking for new approaches to mission that have meaning in today’s world. We need a new language that will resonate with how people are today. In particular, we need to ensure that women and young people have a voice. At February’s Winter Olympics, where athletes from North and South Korea competed on the same team, a small seed of peace was planted. Pray that this seed will flower.
Sunday 17 June: 3rd Sunday after Trinity Holy God, you are the same yesterday, today and forever, help us to be faithful in your mission to a changing world. May we proclaim your gospel afresh in each generation that many may see and hear your word and respond. Monday 18 Pray for the Anglican Church in Korea as it seeks to find new ways to communicate the gospel in a commercialised society. Tuesday 19 Give thanks for the church’s commitment to promoting community and relationships in a culture that has turned people into commodities. Wednesday 20 Pray for children and students in Korea as they struggle with the demands and pressure to excel academically. Thursday 21 Pray that God’s spirit may enable families, in Korea and around the world, to find comfort and acceptance with each other. Friday 22 Pray for those in Korea who are vulnerable in a world that seems to emphasise competition rather than communion. Saturday 23 Pray that God may water the seeds of peace that have been planted between North and South Korea. Pray that these seeds will be protected and allowed to flower.
24–30 JUNE A REFLECTION FROM SOUTH AFRICA Article and prayers by Bronwyn Damon, of HOPE Africa, the social development arm of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa. Drought in parts of South Africa has become a global topic of conversation; Cape Town, it seemed, was set to become one of the world’s first major cities to face the threat of their taps running dry. For those of us who live in the Western Cape, we can be glad the world is concerned about our situation, but we should also be embarrassed that on average our households use over 20,000 litres of water per month and have created a crisis. But while the people of Cape Town need to rethink our long-term strategies for water conservation, we need to remember that there are places where the taps have already run dry. There are villages where women and children have queued at taps to get water their entire lives. There are communities that have never had access to clean drinking water. And there are countries where water is privatised and where tap water is unsafe to drink. These issues also need media attention. As people of faith, we are challenged to be responsible for water conservation and for ensuring equal access to water.
Sunday 24 June: Birth of John the Baptist Generous God, we remember that John baptised with water, and that you are the wellspring of life, the source of living water. Inspire your church to work to provide for that basic need of clean water and sanitation for all your children. Monday 25 Pray for regular and abundant rainfall in cities and villages that are experiencing drought in South Africa and around the world. Tuesday 26 Pray for the agricultural sector and for food for those are unable to afford basic supplies. Wednesday 27 Give thanks for those who offer their skills to seek sustainable solutions to water crises worldwide. Pray for equal access to clean water for all people. Thursday 28 Pray that South Africa’s new government may be free of corruption and greed in its distribution and alllocation of resources. Friday 29: Peter and Paul, Apostles Pray for protection against any water-borne diseases in areas experiencing water shortages and pray that all people may have access to clean water and healthcare. Saturday 30 Pray for global initiatives that seek to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.
1–7 JULY A REFLECTION FROM ZIMBABWE Bishop Godfrey Tawonezvi, of Masvingo Diocese, wrote this article in anticipation of elections this month following on from President Mugabe’s resignation last November. This year’s elections are very important. There is concern over growing poverty and inequality. Unemployment is high and there is a scarcity of resources and opportunities. Furthermore, over the past decade we have experienced violent elections which disrupted social cohesion and displaced families and communities – therefore prayers are requested that this year’s elections be free, fair and peaceful. Indeed, there is mounting pressure from opposition parties, churches and other organisations for electoral reforms and other policies so that a conducive environment for credible elections can be created. With this in mind, the current situation in Zimbabwe offers great opportunities. Churches see the current situation as an opportunity for the birth of a new nation where there is peace and reconciliation, respect for human dignity, an eradication of poverty and inequality, and the creation of employment, good governance and democracy. We also need a reconciliation process. Thousands were killed in the 1980s [post-independence conflict]. Zimbabweans are encouraged to pray for healing.
Sunday 1 July: 5th Sunday after Trinity Liberating God, you desire all your children to be free and call us to build your kingdom on earth. Bless your church in Zimbabwe in seeking to do your will, and bless all who strive for justice and peace. Monday 2 Pray for peaceful and fair elections as Zimbabweans prepare to go to the polls (elections were scheduled for July as we went to press). Tuesday 3 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe as it campaigns for peace, healing and equality. Wednesday 4 Pray for healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe between those from different parts of society who have been in conflict over the last few decades. Thursday 5 Pray for good governance in Zimbabwe so that all people may enjoy equality and access to employment and education. Friday 6 Pray for wisdom and strength for church leaders in Zimbabwe as they seek the welfare of all people. Saturday 7 Give thanks for the long-standing support of USPG for the work of the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. Pray for the USPG-supported programme to tackle the HIV-related stigma that exists in churches and throughout society.
8–14 JULY USPG JOURNEY WITH US PROGRAMME Ordinand Fergus Butler-Gallie, from Cambridge, undertook a six-month placement with USPG. He was teaching at the College of the Transfiguration, Grahamstown, South Africa. I was a little apprehensive, having never visited South Africa before, or, indeed, anywhere in Africa. However, the USPG preparation course covered every conceivable scenario, so I departed for the Eastern Cape remarkably well prepared. I arrived in the middle of the worst weather they’d seen in years. But in stark contrast to the cold weather was the warmth of the welcome. From day one I was thrown into the hectic round of college life. From contemplative meditation in chapel at 6.30am to a laughter-filled supper 12 hours later. Every day had its surprises. I taught a church history class and assisted with Greek lessons and a module on Anglicanism. Free time was spent conversing with students, with me faltering in my attempts to learn isiZulu. This teaching experience was an opportunity I couldn’t have had in the UK. Even so, I’m sure I received more instruction – in everything from South African family traditions to surviving in a water shortage – than I possibly could have imparted. The experience was transformative. I have a newfound love for the country and its people, from whom I learned so much.
Sunday 8 July: 6th Sunday after Trinity O God of our life-long journey, we thank you that everywhere we go, we know you have been before us. We thank you for new experiences given to us each day, and pray that in them we may be a blessing to those who bless us. Monday 9 Pray for Fergus Butler-Gallie as he embarks upon his ministry. Give thanks for the transformative experience he had with his generous hosts in South Africa (see article). Tuesday 10 Pray for all USPG Journey With Us placement volunteers as they return home. Wednesday 11 Pray for Kate Winser a paediatric nurse from Norwich, who is spending a year observing the health ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Belize. Thursday 12 Pray for the Revd Sarah Miller who is supporting students at the Church of South India Women’s College of Arts and Science in Madurai. Friday 13 Pray for the Revd Judith Ware, retired, from Oldham, who is assisting with training in the Diocese of Guyana. Saturday 14 Give thanks for all USPG’s partner churches who graciously host Journey With Us volunteers and offer them a taste of the world church.
15–21 JULY REFLECTION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING Article based on a report from the Anti-Human Trafficking Programme of Durgapur Diocese, Church of North India. Amba (not her real name) was persuaded by her husband to move from their village home in Bangladesh to seek work and a new life in Delhi, India. They moved with their two young children, crossing the border illegally, as do many work migrants. On their arrival in Delhi, Amba’s husband found work for his wife – but it was low-paid work for long hours. Then her husband fled with their money and documents and another woman. This left Amba and her children homeless and shackled to her employers in a form of slave labour. Happily, Amba managed to visit a local church where her story was heard by a member of Durgapur Diocese’s Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) team. AHT found safety and shelter for Amba and her children and is liaising with the local government to get her official papers. Durgapur’s AHT programme started in 2011, focusing on Dinajpur district, on the Bangladesh border, which is both a source and a transit point for human trafficking. AHT seeks to rescue and rehabilitate victims and raise awareness of the tricks used by traffickers.
Sunday 15 July: 7th Sunday after Trinity Creator God, you have made us in your own image, filling us with your dignity, respect and care. Be near to those who do not receive that dignity, and turn the hearts of those who exploit them. Monday 16 Give thanks for the work of Durgapur Diocese’s Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) team and for their work in rescuing Amba and her children (see article). Tuesday 17 Pray that the world would unite to fight the abomination of trafficking in India and around the world. Wednesday 18 Pray that vulnerable communities, especially women and children, will become aware of the tricks of the traffickers and keep safe. Thursday 19 Give thanks for churches in the Anglican Communion as they seek to work alongside other churches and agencies to prevent trafficking and rescue victims. Friday 20 Pray for an end to the trafficking of women for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Pray that women who have been trafficked may find comfort in God. Saturday 21 Pray that Christians in Britain and Ireland may be alert to victims of human trafficking in their own neighbourhoods.
22–28 JULY A REFLECTION FROM INDIA Article by Asir Ebenezer, Director of the Church of South India’s Diaconal Concerns Department. The Church of South India (CSI) is committed to listening to children and giving them the space and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the church. To help achieve this, two new initiatives have been launched. The first, set up in partnership with USPG, is encouraging churches to understand and promote children’s rights, while at the same time monitoring and reporting on abuse. The other initiative will see the development of guidelines for child-friendly churches. We spoke to a girl from an abusive household who is currently staying in childcare. The girl, who attends a CSI church and school, said a child-friendly church would give her comfort because she longs for love and companionship. One interesting idea for child-friendly churches has been inspired by John 21:5, where Jesus addressed his disciples as children and invited them to share a post-resurrection meal of bread and fish. Our idea is to introduce an inclusive ‘meal of remembrance’, much like the Eucharist, for children. The idea was tried out at a recent CSI conference during which children brought some cookies, prayed over them, then shared them with everyone present, including bishops and other church leaders.
Sunday 22 July: Mary Magdalene Loving Lord, as you took the children in your arms and blessed them, so we pray for children today. May we be inspired by their innocence and faithfulness, and commit ourselves to the safety of all children. Monday 23 Give thanks for the Church of South India’s commitment to supporting children in churches and schools and in the home. Tuesday 24 Pray that children in India and around the world may grow up in safety knowing they are loved by God. Wednesday 25: James the Apostle Pray for communities in India that face persecution from extremist groups. Pray that they may know God’s presence and protection. Thursday 26 Pray that those in positions of authority in India may support the well-being of all citizens, regardless of caste, religion or class. Friday 27 Pray for the church throughout India as it seeks to promote peace and justice for poor marginalised groups, including Dalits and Adivasis. Saturday 28 Pray for the Churches of South India and North India. Give thanks for programmes in healthcare, gender empowerment and community development, supported by USPG.
29 JULY – 4 AUGUST A REFLECTION FROM MALAWI Article taken from the September-November 2017 report of the Anglican Church of Malawi’s Community-Based Integrated Interventions programme. As part of an initiative to motivate girls to remain in school, we organised career guidance and role model sessions in Msomba and Kayoyo. In Msomba, 130 girls met Memory Chisenga, a presenter with Pentecost Life Radio, and Chisomo Msomati, who is studying for a degree in Camera and Editing. Memory described how she was born into a poor family but worked hard in school and remained focused. She was raped as a teenager but counselling helped her and she completed her education. Now she is able to support her family. One challenge facing vulnerable households is that they can’t afford learning materials, such as stationery, without which girls have to miss classes or might be sent home. So we distributed learning materials to 160 vulnerable girls in Msomba and 350 in Kayoyo. We also provided six schools with chalk, markers, flip charts and registers – one head teacher was delighted because without chalk the teachers can only dictate notes. Of the 160 girls we supported in Msomba, after three months, 155 had attended classes on a regular basis. We hope this achievement can be attributed to the support we gave.
Sunday 29 July: 9th Sunday after Trinity Holy God, your Son, Christ the teacher, taught his followers in word and actions. Inspire your church to provide a good education, that potentials may be realised in all your children. Monday 30 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Church of Malawi to support girls so they can receive an education. Tuesday 31 Pray that more girls will have access to education in Malawi. Pray that parents will consider education to be a priority for their daughters. Wednesday 1 August Pray that families in rural communities in Malawi may find the means to support themselves so that life is more than a struggle to survive. Thursday 2 Pray for girls in Malawi and around the world who find themselves in early marriages. Pray that they may find opportunities to express themselves, and not simply live as servants to men. Friday 3 Pray that schools in Malawi may be better equipped with toilet facilities so girls will be more willing to attend school. Saturday 4 Give thanks for the work of the Church in Malawi as it seeks to share God’s love with vulnerable and marginalised men and women.
PRAY WITH THE WORLD CHURCH
10 June – 6 October 2018
Britain & Ireland: Pray for Anglicans to engage with global justice.
Greece: Give thanks Zambia: Pray for church work to combat gender violence.
for ecumenical work to support migrants
Brazil: Pray for Bishop Marinez Rosa dos S Bassotto.
Zimbabwe: Climate justice: Pray that Anglicans may be inspired to speak out.
Pray for fair and peaceful elections.
Human trafficking: Pray for safety for vulnerable communities.
Pakistan: Pray for an end to the misuse of the Blasphemy Law.
India: Give thanks for work to promote children’s rights.
Myanmar: Give thanks for the vibrancy of the Anglican Church.
Korean Peninsula: Pray for peace between North and South.
Philippines: Pray for church work to support rural development.
Sri Lanka: Give thanks for initiatives to tackle climate disasters.
Malawi: Give thanks for programmes to help girls stay in school.
South Africa: Pray for an end to drought and water shortages.
Women in ministry: Pray for pastors and church leaders in Asia.
SUNDAY 5–11 AUGUST A REFLECTION FROM GREECE Article by Dr Vassilios Meichanetsidis JCD, of Apostoli, the charity arm of the Orthodox Church in Athens. Churches Together in Athens was formed in 2015 to address the refugee and migrant crisis in Greece. The group holds monthly meetings to share information, ideas and resources and to provide mutual support, encouragement and inspiration. It is comprised of a wide range of churches, including the Orthodox Church (via its charity Apostoli), St Paul’s Anglican Parish, the Scandinavian Church in Athens, the Salvation Army, the Jesuit Society for Refugees, and several Christian NGOs. Through this group, we have been able to develop many ecumenical initiatives. A soup kitchen run by Apostoli, with the help of volunteers from St Paul’s, is now serving more than 800 meals a day to Syrian, Afghan and other migrants, as well as to Greeks made vulnerable by the country’s economic crisis. Also, with support from USPG, St Paul’s has helped to fund an Apostoli-run hostel for unaccompanied minor refugees. And, in addition, St Paul’s has been taking up collections among Englishspeaking communities to support humanitarian work in Greece. All of this work is a wonderful sign of Christian collaboration. In these challenging times, I pray that our common witness will bring glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday 5 August: 10th Sunday after Trinity Welcoming Lord, we thank you for those who, in obedience to your word, welcome the stranger in their midst. Help us in our own situation to be inspired by such examples, and to make a welcoming home for migrants in our communities. Monday 6: Transfiguration of our Lord Give thanks for Churches Together in Athens which is working ecumenically to support refugees and migrants. Tuesday 7 Pray for refugees in Greece who have fled war or persecution in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries. Pray that they may have hope for the future. Wednesday 8 Give thanks for the work of Apostoli which is working in Athens to provide support for migrants and Greeks made vulnerable through poverty (see article). Thursday 9 Give thanks for the Anglican Chaplaincy in Greece, which is reaching out to some of the 45,000 refugees in the country, with support from USPG. Friday 10 Pray for the shelters for unaccompanied refugee minors in Athens, which have received support from USPG among others. Saturday 11 Pray for an end to crises in the Middle East and around the world that are forcing people to flee their homes.
12–18 AUGUST A REFLECTION FROM SRI LANKA Article by Devprakash Peiris, of the Church of Ceylon. Sri Lanka is plagued by drought, floods, cyclones, landslides, coastal erosion and salinity – and climate change is expected to increase the frequency of all such disasters. Alarmingly, research suggests sea levels due to climate change might exceed a previously predicted worst case scenario of 59cm in the next 100 years. This would compromise 8.5 per cent of Sri Lanka’s land mass, leaving 2.2 million people vulnerable, which is 11 per cent of the population. Clearly, Sri Lanka needs to take seriously the scenario of climate refugees and make preparations. The Diocese of Colombo has adopted the Pastors and Disasters Toolkit, which it helped to develop as part of a working group set up by Episcopal Relief and Development, in the USA. In addition, disaster management training is being offered. When heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in 2016, the diocese had an opportunity to put this training into practice. We focused on rural communities and were able to assist 338 families, providing food, water, medicines, and more. We are also supporting long-term recovery and resettlement. In all of this, we were overwhelmed by the goodwill of church members and those of other faiths or none.
Sunday 12 August: 11th Sunday after Trinity Creating God, you have invited us to be co-creators with you and to care for your Creation. We repent of our neglect and ask that you help us to be responsible stewards of Creation, and to work together for the preservation of the earth. Monday 13 Give thanks for the work of the Church of Ceylon in reaching out to communities affected by extreme weather. Tuesday 14 Pray for the Church of Ceylon as it prepares communities for the future impact of climate change, including land loss and mass migration. Wednesday 15: The Blessed Virgin Mary Give thanks for global efforts to prepare for climate change, including co-operation among churches in the Anglican Communion. Thursday 16 Pray for Sri Lanka and other low-lying countries that are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels as a result of climate change. Friday 17 Give thanks for the USPG-supported work of the Church of Ceylon among Sri Lanka’s vulnerable tea plantation communities. Saturday 18 Pray for the Church of Ceylon as it seeks to resolve lingering tensions between Tamil, Sinhalese and other communities following the civil war, which ended in 2009.
19–25 AUGUST ADVOCATING FOR JUSTICE Greenbelt arts, faith and justice festival starts this Friday in Northamptonshire. This year, the USPG stall will have a focus on advocating for human rights in the Philippines – and we urge all Anglicans in Britain and Ireland to get involved. Largely ignored by western media, peacemakers and human rights activists in the Philippines are being killed, imprisoned and beaten, including members of the church. These campaigners refuse to be silent when they see mining corporations destroy the land of indigenous communities; they refuse to be silent when civilians get caught in the crossfire of conflict in the south; they refuse to be silent about senseless killings in the war on drugs. At this year’s Greenbelt – and beyond – USPG is urging you to stand in solidarity with churches in the Philippines as they call for justice. The message is simple but challenging: the gospel calls us to stand up for justice! To quote Martin Luther King: ‘True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.’ These words were echoed by the Youth of the Philippine Independent Church, which stated: ‘The problem seems to be that the [Philippines] administration equates silence with peace… But silence is not peace. Shutting people up, even for good, does not solve the problem.’
Sunday 19 August: 12th Sunday after Trinity God of justice, you call us to live out your gospel and to stand in solidarity with those who are oppressed. Give us the will and courage to faithfully follow you in the way that leads through the cross to resurrection life. Monday 20 Give thanks for the work of human rights activists in the Philippines, including church members, as they risk their lives speaking out for justice (see article). Tuesday 21 Pray that this year’s Greenbelt festival will inspire congregations in Britain and Ireland to engage more deeply with justice issues. Wednesday 22 Pray for USPG’s partnership with the churches in the Philippines as we speak out for vulnerable people. Thursday 23 Pray for an end to indiscriminate mining in the Philippines which takes wealth out of the country while destroying the land and livelihoods of rural communities. Friday 24: Bartholomew the Apostle Pray for peace in the Philippines and for a government that seeks welfare for all, not an elite minority. Saturday 25 Give thanks for peace and freedom in Britain and Ireland, and pray that our churches will campaign more strongly for peace and justice in all countries.
26 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER WOMEN IN MINISTRY Article by Lubna Younas, Assistant Professor of St Thomas Theological College, Pakistan. Lubna participates in the USPG-supported Asian Theological Academy. The Asian Theological Academy (ATA) has helped to strengthen my ideas about gender. For example, Pakistan is a patriarchal society – we are brought up to believe that whatever men say is the final truth – but now I question this. Now I understand that women deserve respect and have an important place in the church, which is a huge challenge for men! There are five women students in my seminary. One is a very good speaker. Another student, a man, was struggling with his sermons, but one day he asked me: ‘Madame, please can you ask my female colleague if she will help me with my sermons.’ He’d changed his attitude towards women – which made me happy. Later, I said to my bishop: ‘I have a female student who is brilliant at preaching but because she is female she can’t serve in the church. How is that fair?’ It’s important that women leaders in the church support each other, especially in Asia where there are so few of us. At the ATA workshop I met women pastors from India, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. It was so good to spend time with them – ATA is a wonderful support.
Sunday 26 August: 13th Sunday after Trinity O God, our Father and Mother, you created us all equally, yet we have made barriers of gender, race and wealth. Help your church to break down all divisions, and to foster vocation in all who seek to serve you. Monday 27 Give thanks for the Asian Theological Academy (ATA) as it seeks to support ordained and lay ministry, women and men. Tuesday 28 Pray that Lubna Younas and her colleagues at St Thomas Theological College, in Pakistan, may provide a solid foundation in ministry for their students. Wednesday 29 Give thanks that women in ministry in Asia have been able to find support and encouragement from each other. Thursday 30 Pray for the Anglican Communion – and the church as a whole – as it grapples with the issues relating to gender and the roles of men and women in the church. Friday 31 Pray from women throughout Asia, many of whom are seeking to challenge or find their place in traditional patriarchal societies. Saturday 1 September Pray that the ATA will inspire many more women to find their voice and fulfil the calling to become all they can be in Christ.
2–8 SEPTEMBER A REFLECTION FROM PAKISTAN Article by Ashley Farooq, Office Manager, Diocese of Hyderabad, Church of Pakistan. On the morning of 18 February, Christian houses in Dhair, near Lahore, were surrounded by hundreds of men – some holding kerosene oil cans, others armed with sticks. The men threatened to set the Christian neighbourhood on fire if Patras Masih was not handed over to them. Seven hundred Christian families fled for their lives. The men were accusing Patras of posting a picture on Facebook that blasphemed the prophet of Islam – and they wanted Patras to be prosecuted under Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law, which carries the death penalty. Patras and his cousin Sajid were arrested and tortured. In despair, Patras leapt from the fourth floor of the Federal Investigation Agency’s building. He survived, though seriously injured. Patras’s lawyer has since reported that the blasphemy accusation was cooked up, motivated by personal enmity following a brawl between Patras and some Muslim men during a cricket match three months earlier. The incident has shocked Pakistan’s Christian community who say the Blasphemy Law is being continuously misused to settle personal vendettas and to ruin the lives of Christians, those from minority groups, and also many Muslims.
Sunday 2 September: 14th Sunday after Trinity O God of justice, we cry out for those who are denied justice, and for all who are persecuted for their faith. Protect them, turn the hearts of those who persecute them, and bring in your kingdom of justice and peace in all places. Monday 3 Pray for an end to the misuse of the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan. Pray for those who have been falsely accused under this law (see article). Tuesday 4 Pray for safety for religious minorities in Pakistan, many of whom face daily threats and persecution. Pray for tolerance among the faith communities. Wednesday 5 Pray for protection and safety for young women and girls from Christian communities in Pakistan, some of whom have faced unspeakable abuse. Thursday 6 Pray for safety for peace-makers in Pakistan as they seek to build bridges between communities of different faiths. Friday 7 Pray that friendships between people of different faiths may be a ray of hope to others. Saturday 8 Pray for wisdom and courage for the leaders of the Church of Pakistan as they seek welfare and justice for the vulnerable.
9–15 SEPTEMBER A REFLECTION FROM MYANMAR Jane Watkeys, who is stepping down from her role as a USPG Trustee, reports on her first visit to the Church of Myanmar. My first visit to Myanmar was a really interesting experience. The most striking thing for me was the lively faith of the Anglican churches and the vibrancy of the services. I sat in a church in a rural village in Toungoo. I didn’t understand the spoken language but I could follow the service in the prayer book, which was bi-lingual. I was struck by the age range of the congregation, the majority of whom were under 40 or 45. This is not what I see in my own congregation in Wales! Where I’m from, there’s an idea that the Anglican churches are dying, but this is not the case in Myanmar where the church is very much alive. My sense was that the Christian faith is central in the lives of Myanmar’s Anglicans. This showed in the warmth of their welcome and in how, even in restaurants, grace was always said before meals. When I visited the cathedral in Yangon, there was an Anglican wedding service taking place but, rather than being asked to come back another time, the families invited me to join them; they welcomed the stranger. In the rural villages, the people looked happy. They live in difficult circumstances but the church is doing great work.
Sunday 9 September: 15th Sunday after Trinity We pray for the church in places where Christianity is a minority, being salt and light in words and actions to its neighbours. May the joy of the gospel be evident in all our churches, making them places of outreach to the stranger and those in need. Monday 10 Give thanks for the Anglican Church of Myanmar’s dedication to the gospel. Pray for strength and wisdom for all church leaders. Tuesday 11 Pray for wisdom for Myanmar’s government, under the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Wednesday 12 Give thanks for USPG-supported church programmes in Myanmar, including the provision of healthcare and clean drinking water in rural communities. Thursday 13 Pray for the people of Myanmar as they respond to flooding and destruction caused by climate change. Friday 14: Holy Cross Day Pray for priests training at Holy Cross Theological College in Yangon and St Peter’s Theological Seminary in Toungoo. Saturday 15 Pray for peace and reconciliation in areas of Myanmar where people are in conflict.
16 – 22 SEPTEMBER A REFLECTION ON CLIMATE JUSTICE This article is based on a report prepared by the Department of Ecological Concerns, part of the Church of South India. The Green Schools Programme, started by the Church of South India (CSI), is founded on the idea that global change around climate issues will only happen if we encourage the next generation to appreciate nature. Speaking at a Green Schools training conference, in Kerala, Prof S Sivadas told teachers: ‘Train students to observe and watch nature: this is the best education you can give. Nature will reveal its treasures to the students, who will observe nature respectfully, and curiosity will influence each student to change their mindset.’ The programme is being co-ordinated by CSI’s Department of Ecological Concerns, which is urging more schools to join in. Schools taking part incorporate climate themes throughout the curriculum. For example, in science, students carry out a ‘green audit’ of their school to assess how they could become more environmentally friendly, such as by recycling water. Attending the training conference, teacher Stanley Yohannan, from Kattanam, said: ‘This training has helped me to understand my relationship with nature. I understand that each and every thing God created has its intrinsic value.’
Sunday 16 September: 16th Sunday after Trinity Holy God, we thank you for our inter-connectedness, with the complexities and beauty of your wonderful Creation. Teach us to play our part responsibly in caring for Creation, ensuring that your world is preserved for generations to come. Monday 17 Give thanks for the work of the Church of South India in raising awareness of climate justice among young people (see article). Tuesday 18 Pray that Anglicans may be inspired to increase their efforts to combat climate change. Wednesday 19 Pray that churches in Britain and Ireland may be inspired to engage more deeply in campaigning for climate justice. Thursday 20 Pray for global initiatives to develop alternatives to fossil fuels so that we may have a healthier planet. Friday 21: Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Pray for initiatives in rural communities that seek to find alternatives to cutting down trees for fuel. Saturday 22 Give thanks for USPG-supported Hope for the Future as it seeks to persuade UK churches and MPs of the importance of sustainable energy.
23–29 SEPTEMBER A REFLECTION FROM ZAMBIA Article based on a report from the Zambia Anglican Council’s Gender Justice Project. Zambia Anglican Council’s Gender Justice Project has had many successes over the last 12 months, with a particular focus on encouraging communities to combat gender based violence (GBV). The project aims to equip church leaders, traditional leaders, community volunteers, police, and health personnel with skills for how to handle GBV issues. The project also seeks to empower women economically so they are able to work and support themselves financially, freeing them from dependence on men. The project also reaches out to men, as well as women, exploring and challenging traditional gender roles. Bishop William Mchombo, of Eastern Zambia Diocese, said: ‘There is a saying that once you teach a woman you educate the whole country, but if you teach a man [you teach] just an individual. So we have deliberately taken up a policy in educating women. At the end of the day we are talking about a nation being developed because the women are… looking after their own family. Most of the men don’t have jobs, but if we empower women I think we are also helping their families.’
Sunday 23 September: 17th Sunday after Trinity Loving God, like a mother, you gather your children to nurture, educate, protect and encourage. Inspire your church to eradicate all violence and prejudice against women, children and men, all created in your image. Monday 24 Give thanks for Zambia Anglican Council’s efforts to empower and support women and combat gender based violence. Tuesday 25 Pray for safety and respect for women and girls in Zambia. Pray that they may know God’s love and protection. Wednesday 26 Pray for women around the world who are vulnerable in all communities and in all cultures. Pray for education and economic empowerment for women. Thursday 27 Pray for wisdom and strength for church leaders in Zambia. Pray that Zambia’s politicians may seek to tackle poverty and justice for all. Friday 28 Pray that girls around the world may grow up in safety with access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities. Saturday 29: Michael and All Angels Pray that men in Zambia and around the world may learn to question traditional ideas that devalue women.
30 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER A REFLECTION FROM THE PHILIPPINES USPG is supporting a small loans programme in the Philippines that is helping rural farming communities to boost their crops and their income. Dennis, who lives in Basao and is married with six children, received a low interest loan from the Episcopal Church of the Philippines’ Receivers to Givers programme. He said: ‘What we borrowed really helped us. For income, we have a smallholding. We bought seeds. We planted the seeds in May, harvested the crops in August, and sold our produce at market in September. We were able to repay the loan and pay school expenses for our children. I was also able to give a gift to the church; we are grateful to have a church in our village where we can gather and worship.’ Fr Fenji, from Mankayan, in Benguet Province, says the Receivers to Givers programme has really helped his community. He said: ‘When I first lived here, in 2003, many people had taken out high interest loans [from private lenders] and were badly in debt. Now they are able to borrow from the church at just 1.5 per cent. This means they’ve been able to keep hold of their homes and pay off some of their debts. Now they can send their children to school, eat better food and look after their homes.’
Sunday 30 September: 18th Sunday after Trinity Lord God of the Harvest, we thank you for your provision to us and to all your children. As we have received, so may we give, that all may receive from your generous provision. Monday 1 October Give thanks for God’s provision. Pray that all people might enjoy God’s rich blessings, not just a privileged few. Tuesday 2 Give thanks for the Episcopal Church of the Philippines as it helps vulnerable communities to improve their livelihoods (see article). Wednesday 3 Give thanks for the blessings received by Dennis and Fr Fenji (see article) and all in their communities through the church’s development programme. Thursday 4 Pray that churches in Britain and Ireland will be inspired by initiatives of the church in the Philippines and around the world. Friday 5 Give thanks for farmers and workers around the world who grow the food that sustains us. Saturday 6 Give thanks for family and friends, homes, food, health and livelihoods. Pray for those around the world who do not have access to these blessings.
We are USPG. USPG is an Anglican mission agency supporting churches around the world in their mission to bring fullness of life to the communities they serve. Theologically, practically and financially, we encourage and enable churches within the Anglican Communion to act as the hands and feet of Christ. Together, we are working to improve health, tackle poverty, put children in school, challenge discrimination, nurture leaders, give a voice to women, and much more Founded 1701.