Peace with Justice

O Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more.   Psalm 10:17– 18

It is with prayerful gratitude that we received the news that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas had been reached, and that arrangements had begun for the exchange of hostages. Only two days earlier, the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) had released a Public Statement offering prayers of support for the peace initiatives taking place.

“We welcome the peace initiatives that are being taken at the current time and offer prayerful support for all the parties trying to broker a lasting peace for Gaza”. NCCA President, Rev John Gilmore. 14 January 2025.

Read: The NCCA Public Statement here or download the PDF version,  pdf 20250114 Gaza need for lasting ceasefire to end ongoing suffering (54 KB)  | ncca.org.au | 14 January 2025.

Following the release of the Public Statement, Rev Gilmore was interviewed by The Melbourne Anglican. Read their article Gaza ceasefire the first step on a journey of peace | tma.melbourneanglican.org.au | 16 January 2025

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has released a Statement following the announcement of the ceasefire. Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary says, "We pray and hope that this ceasefire will not only be a temporary pause in this brutal and devastating war, but will open a window for sustainable peace based on justice..."

Read:  WCC Statement on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas | oikoumene.org | 20 January 2025

Related WCC news articles

WCC celebrates exchange of hostages and prisoners, prays for those still unjustly detained in Gaza | oikoumene.org | 20 January 2025

WCC welcomes news of ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas | oikoumene.org | 16 January 2025