[Lambeth Palace press release] Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has called on the church to pray for the kidnapped Nigerian Archbishop Ignatius Kattey.

Kattey, who is dean of the Church in Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and archbishop of Niger Delta province, was seized last Friday near his residence in the southern city of Port Harcourt.

In a statement on Sept. 13, Welby described the kidnapping as “deeply shocking,” and called on the church to pray for Kattey, along with the people and leaders of Nigeria.

He said: “The kidnapping of Archbishop Kattey is deeply shocking for all those who pray for and love the people and country of Nigeria. Throughout the church let us pray for him, his family, for His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), and for the government and people of Nigeria.”

In a prayer, Welby asked God to “uphold [Kattey] in courage and faith” and “bring him again to be with his family and friends in joy and freedom.”

Read Archbishop Justin’s prayer:

Heavenly Father, whose love is limitless and grace without measure, you have called us to share in the suffering of those in persecution and great trouble.
We pray for the nation of Nigeria, for its leaders and people. Grant them wisdom in the trials they face and bring them again to peace and security.
We pray especially for Archbishop Kattey in the Niger Delta. Uphold him in courage and faith. Enable him to know your love, and bring him again to be with his family and friends in joy and freedom.
For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for our liberation and who is our peace.
Amen.