Collect for Those Who Suffer for the Sake of Conscience

O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he

was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer

for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them

from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them

from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from

despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their

witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be

cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus

Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.

(BCP 823)