Condolences, quiet reflection, and prayers offered for Israel and Gaza
In the heart of Wuppertal, an ecumenical evening prayer is being organised to bring people together and offer prayers for peace in troubled times. The event, scheduled to take place soon, will be shaped by Superintendent Ilka Federschmidt, Dean Bruno Kurth, and an ecumenical team.
The invitation for this prayer service is open to all, regardless of blame or taking sides. The organisers wish to promote unity and understanding, rather than division and conflict.
The event is free for admission, but donations are requested for the hospital in Be'er Sheva, a partner city of Wuppertal, and the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. Both hospitals have been severely affected by the ongoing conflict in the region.
The situation in Wuppertal is also a concern, as it can create divisions and set people against each other. The organisers hope that this prayer service can help foster a peaceful and trusting coexistence within the city.
The hour-long prayer will feature readings and musical accompaniment, with actress Camilla Jacob reading texts by theologian Sylvia Bukowski and Jens-Peter Enk providing piano music, joined by Joachim Schiefer on the cello.
Superintendent Federschmidt and Dean Kurth both emphasise the importance of considering the situation in Wuppertal, as well as the ongoing conflict in Israel. Federschmidt expresses a feeling of connection to those suffering and urges that hope for reconciliation and peace must not be abandoned.
Catholic Dean Kurth also emphasises that the evening prayer should also consider the situation in Wuppertal, and that words of love and reconciliation should counter words of hate, violence, war, and divisions.
The Evangelical and Catholic Churches in Wuppertal are supported by the organisations Missio and Aktion EMW (Evangelische Mission Weltweit) in their collection of donations for the hospital in Be'er Sheva and the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.
The organisers hope that this ecumenical evening prayer will serve as a beacon of hope and unity, reminding people of the importance of peace and reconciliation in these challenging times.
