Bishop Michael will be holding a prayer vigil for Gaza in the chapel at the Bishop’s Palace at 17:00 on Sunday, 3 August 2025. The vigil will be open for anyone to attend. Those who can’t join Bishop Michael at the chapel are being encouraged to join in and pray where they are, at a time to suit them.
Bishop Michael says, “We will be holding a vigil and praying about the situation in Gaza. We will be praying for its people, for those who are held hostage, and for Jewish people in the UK and other places who are affected by the rise in antisemitism.
“Obviously this is a situation that has been in our prayers for some time, but as recent news
coverage shows, the situation grows increasingly urgent. Last week I went on pilgrimage to Taize, France. While I was there I, and others from Bath and Wells, had the opportunity to hear the personal testimony of a doctor who has twice smuggled himself into Gaza in recent months. It was deeply moving, but very difficult hear of the suffering that so many people are experiencing there. I do hope you can join with me as I pray for an end to this suffering, whether you join me in person in Wells, or wherever you are on Sunday.”
For those unable to attend in person and who may wish to hold a vigil where they are, an order of service is available to download.
Visit the Christian Aid website or the Church of England website for further resources to help you pray for Gaza.
Palestinian statehood – comment from Church of England bishops
25 July 2025
The Archbishop of York, together with the Bishops of Southwark, Gloucester, Chelmsford and Norwich, respond to the Prime Minister’s announcement on the possibility of recognising a Palestinian state.
As we continue to pray for everyone caught up in the devastating violence and suffering in Palestine and Israel, we welcome His Majesty’s Government’s statement yesterday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, pledging to work with international partners on a long-term settlement, and the additional steps being taken to help get aid into Gaza.
We call upon the Israeli Government to commit to an immediate ceasefire and to desist from actions that are leading to starvation in Gaza as well as from policies leading to the progressive annexation of the West Bank.
We condemn unequivocally the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023. The hostages should be immediately and safely released without conditions attached to their freedom.
We continue to call for an immediate end to this war and for negotiations leading to lasting justice, security and peace.
But the fact remains: a deliberate famine is being inflicted on the people of Gaza.