A pastoral letter from the Moderator - 2 March, 2026

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Christ.

Over recent days, the world has watched with deep concern as war has broken out across Iran and the wider Middle East. Military strikes, retaliation, civilian deaths, and growing regional instability have once again reminded us how fragile peace can be. Reports already speak of significant loss of life, including civilians and children, and fears continue to grow that this conflict may widen further.

In moments like this, the Church does not speak as a political commentator or strategist.  We speak as followers of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

I would like to echo the statement from President Rev Charissa Suli A Call to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East – Uniting Church Australia

The Uniting Church has long affirmed that peace is not simply the absence of war, but the presence of justice, dignity, and the safeguarding of human life.  Every person, regardless of nation, religion, or political system - bears the image of God. When bombs fall, that image is wounded. When fear spreads among ordinary families, God’s heart grieves.

We hold before God the people of Iran - families seeking safety, children living with uncertainty, communities facing loss.  We also hold before God the people of Israel and all nations now living under threat of retaliation and escalation.  And we remember those throughout the region whose lives may again become the cost of decisions made far from their homes.

The Gospel calls Christians to another way.  Jesus teaches, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).  Peacemaking is not passive.

It is courageous.  It refuses hatred.

It resists the logic that violence can ultimately secure peace.

As a Church, we affirm:

• The sanctity of human life.
• The urgent necessity of restraint and de-escalation.
• The responsibility of nations to pursue dialogue before destruction.
• The hope that reconciliation is always more powerful than revenge.

We recognise the deep complexities behind international conflict. We acknowledge histories of fear, injustice, oppression, and security concerns that shape national decisions. Yet the Christian witness remains clear: lasting peace cannot be built upon the suffering of civilians or the perpetuation of endless cycles of retaliation.

At this time, I invite congregations across Queensland to pray - not only for an end to violence, but for wisdom among leaders, protection for the vulnerable, and courage for those working quietly for diplomacy and peace.

We are people of resurrection hope. Even in the shadow of war, we believe God continues to call humanity toward reconciliation. May we be known not for taking sides in conflict, but for standing firmly on the side of peace.

Grace and peace,

Bruce

Rev Bruce Moore
Moderator
Uniting Church in Australia – Queensland Synod

 

 

Prayer for Peace in a Time of War

God of compassion and mercy,
Creator of every nation and every people,
We come before you grieving the suffering unfolding in our world.

We pray for the people of Iran,
for families sheltering in fear,
for children whose lives have been disrupted by violence,
for the injured, the displaced, and those who mourn.

We pray for the people of Israel
and for all nations now living under threat and uncertainty.

Protect civilians.
Comfort the fearful.
Strengthen those who work for healing amid destruction.

Lord Jesus Christ,
you walked paths of conflict without hatred and faced violence without returning it.

Turn the hearts of leaders away from escalation.
Give wisdom where anger rules.
Give restraint where power tempts.
Give courage to those seeking dialogue instead of domination.

Holy Spirit,
move among the nations of the world.
Where there is retaliation, sow restraint.
Where there is fear, plant understanding.
Where there is despair, awaken hope.

Teach us, your Church,
to be makers of peace in word and action
to pray faithfully,
to speak graciously,
and to live as signs of your reconciling love.

We long for the day foretold by the prophets
when swords are beaten into ploughshares
and nations learn war no more.

Until that day,
hold your world in mercy.

In the name of Christ, our peace.

Amen.