Prior to Netanyahu’s Congressional Speech, 200+ Global Bishops and Christian Leaders Call World Leaders to Institute a Permanent Gaza Ceasefire, Halt of Arms Sales to Israel, and Prevent Broader Regional War
In a new letter, over 200 global Christian bishops and executive leaders urged world powers to end complicity in the ongoing violence and atrocities committed in Gaza as a part of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The letter calls for an immediate permanent ceasefire, work for the release of hostages and prisoners held without due process of law alike, the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to civilians, and halting all weapons and ammunition transfers to Israel to ensure they are being used according to international law.
Signers of the letters include the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Minister and President, the Rev. Teresa Hord Owens; the United Church of Christ General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson; and Co-Executives of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, the Rev. Dr. LaMarco A. Cable (also President of Disciples Overseas Ministries) and the Rev. Shari Prestemon (also the UCC’s Acting Associate General Minister); as well as Dr. Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe in Global Ministries.
The global response to this letter showcases the commitment of the international Christian community to have a lasting ceasefire now.
In response to these atrocities Christian dignitaries state, “This growing conviction is contrasted with a perceived failure and impotence of the commitment to non-violent resistance, peacebuilding, and reconciliation that, as Christians, we share and support. On all sides of this conflict, belief in the possibility of peace and the commitment to non-violent approaches is waning. The window for constructive dialogue between combatant parties is rapidly closing. It will be replaced by more violence and a further erosion of hope and trust. As Christian leaders, we feel compelled to speak out before it is too late and broader Middle East war becomes inevitable.”
The letter was organized by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), a coalition of 35 national church communions and organizations working to encourage U.S. policies that actively promote just, lasting, and comprehensive resolutions to conflicts in the Middle East. This letter comes the day before Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech before the joint sessions of Congress. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and partners are also hosting a prayer vigil to call for an end to violence and military action at 9 a.m. at the United Methodist Building on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
CMEP has forwarded the critical letter directly to President Biden and his team with this cover letter highlighting specific ways the U.S. Administration has not only been complicit, but actively aided and abetted the ongoing violence that has had such a devastating impact on civilians in Gaza and has impeded the ability for hostage and ceasefire negotiations to progress successfully. Other signatories of the joint letter will be sending copies to their respective heads of state around the world calling for global leaders to do everything within their power to support efforts for a lasting and permanent ceasefire. This is in the best interest of Israelis and Palestinians and will deescalate regional tensions rather than perpetuate further war.
CMEP’s executive director, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, says, “The world must rise to the occasion of demanding an end to the atrocities of the ongoing cycles of violence that began long before October 7th. The massacres committed that day by Hamas and since by Israeli forces against civilians in Gaza are a blight on humanity. Global leaders can no longer sit idly by and allow such devastation to continue. Civilians in Gaza must be given the opportunity to live! Alternative solutions – not war and violence – must be pursued so that Palestinians and Israelis might finally have the opportunity to live in peace.”