![]() The Rev. Dr. Adam Shoemaker, rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Charleston, shared his unique perspective on the "tragic outbreak of war in the Middle East" as an Arab American with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim roots in this editorial shared in today's Charleston Post and Courier. This profound piece is worth a read: Commentary: Remember our common humanity as war grips the Holy Land by the Rev. Dr. Adam Shoemaker I am an Arab American with Christian, Jewish and Muslim roots. I also happen to be an ordained Episcopal priest. At times, this diversity has challenged my sense of self and my natural human desire for belonging. It has made me question where I fit in. I now appreciate that background as one of the greatest gifts God has given me. The three great Abrahamic faith traditions are each a part of my collective story and have made me into the person and priest I am today. They shape how I understand myself as a spiritual person and how I aim to approach the rich diversity of this world. This background also colors and impacts the ways in which I absorb the tragic outbreak of war in the Middle East. When I see images of the brutal Hamas terror attack on Israeli men, women and children, the daily horror of the families whose relatives have been taken hostage, and the enormous rise in antisemitism across the world, I think about my Jewish family members who escaped Germany seeking a better life in the United States. I also call to mind the ways in which my grandmother, Deirdre, recalled the antisemitism she experienced as a young woman growing up in New Orleans, an early experience that I believe affected her for the rest of her life. When I see images of the constant bombing of Gaza and the catastrophic suffering of Palestinian men, women and children or the rise in Islamophobia across the world, I think about my Egyptian family members. I think especially of my younger siblings such as my sister, Yousra and my brother, Hamza. I also call to mind the ways in which fear and terror, like what transpired in the wake of 9/11, can so often lead to the dehumanization and persecution of innocent civilians and the constant drumbeat of war. When I see images of churches or Christian hospitals, like the al-Ahli Arab Hospital, run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, being destroyed, I think not only of the victims but of fellow bishops, priests and lay people. I think of those who live, work and faithfully minister in this war-torn and conflicted place so many call the Holy Land. I also remember the tremendous cost of war and the risks taken by anyone seeking to intervene for the sake of those who are suffering. My heart aches for my Jewish, Muslim and Christian sisters and brothers that I see suffering in Israel, Gaza, and in neighboring countries in the region. My heart aches for the innocent victims not only in the Middle East but also right here in the United States. My heart aches for the victims of antisemitism or Islamophobia, such as 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, a Palestinian American boy who was stabbed 26 times in his home in Plainfield Township, Illinois, in what authorities have said was an anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate crime. Terror campaigns of any kind must be resisted, yes, but as a priest and pastor, I pray we never forget our common humanity. I pray we never allow violence, hatred and terror to drive us to dehumanize those who are different from us. This is how terror metastasizes. I pray we can find ways to use these tragedies to come together because the truth is that we all belong, we all matter, we all have inherent worth and dignity given to us by God and we all deserve to live in peace. May we strive in all we say, do and advocate for to be instruments of peace — shalom, salaam — in this harrowing moment and always. The Rev. Adam Shoemaker is rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Charleston. You can also read it at this link on the website for The Post & Courier. ![]() With sadness for his death, but joy for his beautiful life, we share the news of the death of the Rev. Stan McGraw, who began his career in ministry as a youth minister at St. Thomas, North Charleston, where he met his wife of the past 56 years, the Rev. Jean McGraw, a priest of our diocese. Fr. Stan was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Gray Temple in 1970, and initially served as assistant rector at St. Helena's in Beaufort. In 1971, the McGraws moved to Atlanta, where over the course of 30 years Fr. Stan served a number of churches and on staff of the Diocese of Atlanta. After their children graduated from college, the McGraws left Atlanta, serving congregations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Kentucky for more than 20 years. In 2013, Fr. Stan returned to our diocese and served as priest-in-charge at St. Mark's, Charleston for two years. Prior to that call, he was a great support to the diocese in the time right after the schism, serving as supply priest wherever he was needed. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Christ Church Episcopal in Sparta, North Carolina (2543 US Highway 21 South). Read the full obituary at this link. In addition to his wife, Fr. Stan is survived by his children: Scott (Wendy), Chris (Leslie Jo), and Dana (Danielle); his grandchildren: Rachel, Matt, Carter, Drew, and Demitri; and his siblings: Linda and Marshall (Tana). Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord; let light perpetual shine upon him. ![]() Earlier this week, St. Stephen's, Charleston announced that with the blessing of Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and the support of the church's rector and vestry, the Rev. Deacon Greg Smith will retire before the end of the year. His last service at St. Stephen's will be Sunday, December 3, after 24 years of ordained ministry. Though he will step away from the role of deacon assisting in liturgy and parish life, he will continue to serve the final two years of a six-year term as trustee on the Bishop Gadsden Board of Directors and he will continue to serve on the Diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission. In his announcement to the congregation, Deacon Greg said, "My hope is to be less busy, to spend 'less time doing and more time being.' I want to enjoy time with my wife Lyn and our family and open my heart finding God’s spirit in Creation as I spend time in nature." ![]() Following the horrific events that have unfolded since Hamas began attacking the people of Israel on Saturday, October 7, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley offers the lament below: Dear faithful Episcopalians, Just in August, I had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land. It was a compelling trip. Now, mere weeks later, we watch in shock as the terror and agony unfolds. We in the Diocese of South Carolina join with people around the globe in lament. We denounce the atrocious acts of violence committed by Hamas against Israel and innocent civilians. We pray fervently for an end to the brutal, senseless violence. We lament the tragic loss of lives of Jews, Palestinians, and all those who have died in the violence of these days. We pray for the wisdom and skill of capable global leadership to forge a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Faithfully yours, +Ruth The Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina A Prayer from the Archbishop of Jerusalem: The Most Rev. Hosam Naoum
O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. |
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March 2025
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