“Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Please pray for the peoples of the Holy Land and a just end to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestine.
Church leaders in the Holy Land are raising their voices in unity to call for the cessation of all violent and military activities that bring harm to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.
Since the news of the surprise attack, in the early morning of 7 October, when Hamas militants crossed from Gaza into Israel, attacking civilians, and taking hostages, the conflict has only escalated each day. Reports are heart-breaking and disturbing.
(Photo credit: Albin Hillert, WCC)
The World Council of Churches, along with the Church leaders of Jerusalem have called for the need to address the humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding each day.
"Our churches in the Holy Land are an integral part of the Palestinian community. All people in the Holy Land are suffering, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. As a worldwide fellowship, we stand in solidarity with our churches and share their prayers for healing and justice." Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary World Council of Churches, (Geneva 19 October 2023)
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"We remind political powers throughout the world that peace should be our goal, but in order to achieve peace we must remove the reasons for animosity through dialogue." Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary World Council of Churches, (Geneva 17 October 2023)
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For further reading:
News from the WCC - | WCC - Oikoumene.org
WCC calls for urgent humanitarian response in Gaza and UN-Led criminal investigation (19 October 2023)
Statement: WCC outraged with news of Israeli attack on Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza; calls for a new reality based on justice and human dignity (17 October 2023)
WCC calls for immediate ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza (15 October 2023)
WCC, Jerusalem Heads of Churches invite all to global prayer day (15 October 2023)
WCC calls for a new approach to conflict in Palestine and Israel (13 October 2023)
Statement: WCC calls for a new approach to the conflict in Palestine and Israel (13 October 2023)
Service of Lament for Palestine and Israel: “we solidly believe in the sanctity of life” (12 October 2023)
WCC urgently appeals for immediate ceasefire in Israel and Palestine (7 October 2023)
The Churches in Palestine WCC news releases| WCC - Oikoumene.org
Statement by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (17 October)
Jerusalem Heads of Churches urge addressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza (13 October 2023)
Church leaders in Holy Land call for de-escalation, respect for human rights (12 October 2023)
Church leaders in Holy Land call for de-escalation, respect for human rights (9 October 2023)
Church leaders in Holy Land call for de-escalation, respect for human rights (12 October 2023)
Statements
- Statement: WCC calls for a new approach to the conflict in Palestine and Israel (13 October 2023)
- Statement from Heads of Churches in Jerusalem - (8 October 2023)
- Statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem - (7 October 2023)
- Statement from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land - (7 October 2023)
