Prior to Netanyahu's Congressional speech, global church leaders call for permanent Gaza ceasefire, end of arms sales to Israel

Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash

Source: CMEP

In a new letter today, more than 200 church leaders from around the world have urged world powers to end complicity in the ongoing violence and atrocities being committed in the Holy Land.

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 Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini Bishop of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Bishop Christian Carlassare of the Catholic Church Diocese of Bentiu in South Sudan, Dr Cristina Calvo of Caritas Internationalis in Argentina, Rev Michel W Hansrod the General Secretary of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Bishop Emeritus Peter Kang Co-President of Pax Christi Korea (PCK) in South Korea, and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie of the National Council of Churches.

The global response to this letter showcases the commitment of the international Christian community to have a lasting ceasefire now.

The 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 US 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 9am 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.

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) quotes Jesus in these circumstances saying, "Jesus said: 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom heaven belongs.' (Matthew 19:14). Thousands of children have been killed in this conflict and thousands more are facing starvation. The death of one child, whether Palestinian or Israeli, is one death too many. Stop the killing now."

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."

The full letter and list of signers can be viewed HERE.

Read CMEP's cover note to President Biden HERE.