A Lenten Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Foley Beach

To the Bishops, Clergy, and People of the Anglican Church in North America:

 

Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins! His mercy endures forever. Amen.

 

As we travel our Lenten pilgrimage, repenting of our sins, reconciling with our brothers and sisters, reproducing followers of Jesus, and expressing relentless compassion to those in our communities, I would like to ask you to consider an important project for your community.

 

I would like to invite you to gather with members of our congregations on the steps of your county court house or city hall, and there pray together for your community, your neighborhoods, your country, and your leaders; asking God to pour out His Spirit to lead them to know and honor Jesus Christ.  At a time of your own choosing between now and June 30, and I am asking that you take seriously the admonitions of our Lord and the Apostles in Scripture to pray together that "Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven."  Don't make a big splash about it; just go and claim your neighborhoods and communities for the purposes of God in the Name of Jesus.

 

People all around us are suffering and in crisis. They are hurting and spiritually desolate, suffering from sickness, heartache, and broken relationships; some without employment and hope, living in fear and confusion. We have the ability to help them in Jesus Christ.  This begins with our intentional prayers.

 

In the United States we are in the midst of the election process not just for the new President, but for many judges, governors, senators, mayors, city council members, and representatives.  This should be a constant concern of our prayers.

 

Again, between now and June 30, gather with members of your congregation at the County Courthouse or City Hall, and pray together.  Please let me know how it goes.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:16f)

Your brother in Christ,
 

The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach

Archbishop and Primate

Anglican Church in North America

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