Prayers for Beirut after huge blast leaves at least 100 dead

The aftermath of the explosion (Photo: Sky News)

Christians are being asked to pray for victims and their loved ones after a gigantic blast tore through Beirut's port area on Tuesday night, killing at least a hundred people and injuring thousands.

The Middle East Council of Churches said it was "devastated Beirut is facing a tragedy". 

"Let's stand together. Let's rescue the wounded and those who lost their homes. Let's pray for the victims," it said.

"O God, have mercy on our beloved Lebanon and on its heartbroken people. Do not hide Your face from us!"

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "I'm praying for all those affected by the terrible explosion in Beirut today, and for the people of Lebanon. Lord, have mercy." 

The Bishop of Truro, Philip Mounstephen, who oversaw the Government's review into global persecution, said he was "grieving" for Beirut. 

The bishop visited the city two years ago with CMS Mission and said he was "still looking forward" to establishing a link between Christians there and the Diocese of Truro. 

The Custodia Terrae Sanctae, a group of Franciscans whose monastery is situated in the area of the blast, said that all of its friars had escaped injured. 

It posted video footage to Twitter showing the extent of the damage to the monastery. 

"Let us pray for Lebanon," it said. 

News
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years

Bethlehem and Jerusalem have ushered in the Christmas season with public celebrations and glittering lights for the first time in two years, marking a poignant moment of hope in cities still grappling with the humanitarian and economic fallout of the Gaza war.

Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 

The Bishop of Winchester has defended the recent decision of the House of Bishops to pause plans to introduce standalone same-sex blessing services. 

Protecting girls and young women in the digital age
Protecting girls and young women in the digital age

It’s a missional priority for us as Christian communities to have open discussions about both the benefits and downsides of being online.

Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford

Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 October, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.