Dear Beloved in Christ,

I come to you today with a heavy heart. It is impossible to escape the news of what is happening in Springfield, Ohio and especially to Haitian immigrants in the area.  Students on every level have been affected by school closings due to bomb threats. It is difficult to imagine what it must feel like to be a resident of Springfield at this time. 

As Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ who calls us to welcome the stranger and to love our neighbor. It is for this reason that I call upon United Methodists to join me in prayer for the people of Springfield.  I offer this prayer to you.

O God, you are the hope of all the ends of the earth, the God of the spirits of all flesh. Hear our humble intercession for all races and families on earth, that you will turn all hearts to yourself. Remove from our minds hatred, prejudice, and contempt for those who are not of our race or color, class or creed, that, departing from everything that estranges and divides, we may by you be brought into unity of spirit, and the bond of peace. Amen. ---The United Methodist Book of Worship, (pg. 526).

Peace,

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung

The Ohio Episcopal Area