[Episcopal News Service] The military conflict between the United States and Iran that began when President Donald Trump ordered the assassination of a top Iranian general on Jan. 3 escalated on Jan. 7, as Iran retaliated with missile strikes on military bases housing American troops in Iraq. On Jan. 7, The Episcopal Church released the statement below in response:

“Amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following the strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, The Episcopal Church continues to be guided by the teaching of Jesus Christ, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ We affirm that ‘It is crucial in this time of instability and threat of violence that our government and our neighbors seek diplomatic and humanitarian solutions rather than violence.’ We pray for wisdom, restraint, and divine guidance for our leaders and decision makers, that they can move us away from violence and conflict and towards mutual understanding.”

The statement updates one issued in July 2019 at a time of heightened tension over over attacks on shipping vessels and the shooting down of a U.S. surveillance drone.