31st May 2026

The UN has added Israel and Russia to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict.  The UN report cited a selection of cases which are “indicative of incidents and patterns” rather than a comprehensive summary of conflict-related sexual violence by Israelis, because of restrictions on UN investigators.  The UN verified sexual abuse of 31 Palestinian men, women and children from the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank between 2023 and 2025. Israeli attacks included repeated gang-rapes and the use of sexual violence as a form of torture. Other violations including rape with objects, attempted rape, attacks on genitals, targeted shooting of genitals, touching of breasts and genitals, forced nudity and threats of rape.

The UN found that Russia uses systematic sexual torture against Ukrainians, both civilians and prisoners of war, in “almost all” detention centres. In two-thirds of cases, Russian forces used multiple forms of sexual violence.  The majority of victims suffered repeated sexual attacks. 

Loving God, we laments that sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, and used upon civilians as well as combatants. May perpetrators not degrade themselves bringing shame upon their countries.  We thank you for the work of the UN in highlighting these atrosities.  May the international community put diplomatic pressure on Isreal and Russia to ensure that captives are treated with dignity and that perpetrators are brought to justice.  We ask your loving care and compassion for all victims, and we ask for your physical and emotional healing of their injuries.   We pray there will be a swift end to these wars and conflicts so that misery, pain and fear can be transformed into joy and freedom.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Mark Bush lives in Darlington UK. He is a volunteer PAT (portable appliance testing) specialist.  This means he tests all kinds of electrical goods to make sure they are safe. He works voluntarily for his local Oxfam Shop to ensure any electrical item donated for resale is safe to be used. All kinds of portable electrical equipment including radios, vacuum cleaners, toasters, slow-cookers, hairdryers, food-mixers, blenders, even trouser-presses donated are safe to be sold to raise finds for Oxfam.  Mark tests every single one ensuring their safety so they can be sold generating thousands of pounds in revenue to help Oxfam fight global poverty.  “It gives me so much,” he says. “I’ve developed new skills, boosted my confidence, and found an extended family made up of lovely people.”  This coming week is National Volunteer Week – an annual celebration of the huge army of people across the UK who give their time for the benefit of others. It is estimated that there are over 14 million people who volunteer, in so many different ways, through formal groups or organisations each year.  

Today is trinity Sunday.  

It is the day when the world-wide church celebrates the one God as three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Almighty and eternal God,

you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

and live and reign in the perfect unity of love: 

hold us firm in this faith,

that we may know you in all your ways

and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory,

who are three Persons yet one God, now and for ever. Amen

Post communion prayer for Trinity Sunday,

from Common Worship, Church of England