Virginia bishops’ statement on government shutdownPosted Oct 4, 2013 |
[Episcopal Diocese of Virginia press release]
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The partial shutdown of the federal government is far more than an issue of partisan politics. It has produced spiritual and economic consequences all over the country, including our own Diocese. From federal workers in Northern Virginia to National Park Service employees in the Shenandoah Valley to custodians of our nation’s history, from Richmond to the Northern Neck, our brothers and sisters are facing difficult challenges.
We join with you in praying for a rapid and fair resolution of these issues, and for the care and comfort of those whose livelihoods have been directly or indirectly affected. We pray that from these frustrating days of partisan deadlock a new spirit of reconciliation will be born.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston
The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff
The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick Jr.
Collect: For Our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend
our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes
brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust
the authority of government, that there may be justice and
peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we
may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail;
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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