US Churches to hold prayer vigil ahead of Netanyahu visit

Source: CMEP

Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech before Congress, Christian groups, led by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) will gather to pray for an immediate end to the violence being committed in Gaza and for peace for the day ahead. Speakers will include several notable Christian leaders.

Since October 7, CMEP has called for (1) a permanent bilateral ceasefire, (2) the allowance of adequate humanitarian assistance into Gaza, (3) the release of all Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners held without cause, (4) demilitarization, including no additional U.S. arms sales to Israel, (5) for the root causes of the occupation to be addressed. These positions reflect our desire for an end to the atrocities we have seen perpetuated in Gaza and our broader call for the rights and dignity of all people in the Holy Land to be upheld.

The gathering will take place from 9-10am EST on Wednesday, 24 July, on the steps of the United Methodist Building 110 Maryland Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002. A backup location will be the Friends Committee on National Legislation Quaker Welcome Center 245 2nd Street NE Washington, DC 20002.

CMEP say: "We are closely monitoring road closures and security measures as they are announced. If gathering in front of the United Methodist Building is not possible, we will notify registrants by 8am on July 24.

Co-Sponsoring Organizations are: Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP); Pax Christi USA; National Council of Churches; Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ; Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Public Witness; Alliance of Baptists; Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns; The United Methodist Church - General Board of Church and Society; Mennonite Central Committee US.

Rev Michael Neuroth, Director of the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy & Advocacy said: "As a tradition that upholds a vision of a Just World for All, the United Church of Christ speaks clearly on the injustice and humanitarian crisis happening in Palestine. We call for a ceasefire, for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and for the release of prisoners and hostages. The suffering must end. As a nation, we must not be complicit in the mass killing that has resulted in nearly 40,000 dead. As such, we support the withholding of arms to Israel and demand a return to the diplomatic table. As Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses our Congress, we implore him and all policymakers to hear our fervent prayers calling for love, compassion, and a Just Peace."

Kyle Cristofalo, Senior Director of Advocacy and Government Relations, Churches for Middle East Peace commented: "For forty years Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has advocated for a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict in Israel-Palestine. Before Prime Minister Netanayhu is set to address Congress, we gather with one voice to pray for our elected officials to do everything in their power to help bring about a comprehensive ceasefire in Israel and Gaza and prioritize the preservation of Palestinian and Israeli lives instead of prolonging suffering."

Colleen Moore, Director of Peace With Justice at the General Board of Church and Society, the social justice agency of the United Methodist Church added: "For decades, the United Methodist Church has called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and worked for a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Today, as Prime Minister Netanyahu prepares to address Congress, we continue that work by calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel and for all people in the Holy Land to seek full respect for human rights and freedom from military occupation."

Rev Jimmie Hawkins, Director of Advocacy, Presbyterian Church (USA) said: "The Presbyterian Church (USA) has for many years advocated for a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We watch in horror as the current war in Gaza spirals out of control and is heartbreaking in its ferocity. Twenty thousand Palestinian children are missing, and thousands are presumed dead beneath the rubble. Israel's horrific bombing of schools, hospitals, and safe zones, the withholding of humanitarian assistance from a civilian population facing famine, and the United States military support for these human rights violations in Gaza must end. The world must act to stop this madness - bring about a permanent ceasefire, release hostages and detainees, and provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza. We pray that our leaders have the wisdom and determination to bring this war to an end. And we pray for mercy and healing for all of the victims of violence in this conflict."