Bishop requests special collection for Gaza

Published: August 13, 2025

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor sent the following letter to priests, Aug. 13, 2025, asking them to take up a special collection in their parishes for the suffering people of Gaza and to pray for peace and an end to violence.

En Español

"To the people of the Diocese of Little Rock:

"As you know from the news, the ongoing crisis in Gaza has left many people in desperate circumstances. Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Gaza and surrounding areas. These people are struggling to survive, protect their children and live with dignity in dire conditions.

"Pope Leo XIV continues to call for a cease fire and for aid to enter the territory.

"Given the extraordinary nature of this crisis, we have been asked to take up a special collection to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support through either the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) or Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

"Both organizations have well-established partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region. Moreover, I am a member of the board of directors of CRS and so have chosen CRS to be the recipient of donations from the Diocese of Little Rock, but any donations intended for CNEWA will be sent to them.

"I am asking that all priests make arrangements to take up a second collection, as soon as reasonably possible, to assist the suffering people of Gaza and send it to the diocese for transmittal to CRS.

"Thank you for your generosity and your prayers for the suffering people of Gaza.

"Sincerely in Christ,
+Anthony B. Taylor
Bishop of Little Rock"