More than 200 Christian leaders from various traditions have signed a letter calling for a permanent ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages held by Hamas. “As Christian leaders, we speak out with deep concern for the common good of all people affected by war and conflict, without exception.” Read the letterThe rally was organized by the Middle East Churches for Peace, a Washington-based coalition of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches.
“We speak with a sense of urgency. We speak in a spirit of peace. We speak because we are deeply inspired by the courage and selfless commitment of our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, who suffer alongside their Muslim and Jewish neighbors, and who are determined to work for a just and dignified future for all the inhabitants of this land.”
The letter also calls for “the release of Palestinian prisoners being held without due process.”
“Without decisive action now, the conflict will spiral out to become more severe, widespread and deep-rooted, leading to further destruction and loss of innocent lives,” the authors said. “The time has come for the international community, and for Israeli, Palestinian and regional decision-makers, to act. Our common humanity demands it.”
according to NCR OnlineThe letter was released ahead of a US visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited Congress on Wednesday and met with President Joe Biden on Thursday.
The letter was signed by several religious leaders, including Roman Catholic Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini of Huehuetenango, Guatemala; Bishop Stephen Biegler of the Diocese of Cheyenne in Wyoming; Bishop Stephen Rowe of the Diocese of Auckland in New Zealand; Bishop Christian Carlasalle of the Diocese of Rumbek in South Sudan; and Bishop Kofi Roger Anumou of the Diocese of Lokossa in Benin.
Signatories included the presidents of the Maryknoll Sisters and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia.
He also served as Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, Secretary of the Reformed Church in the United States, Minister of the United Church of Christ, and Minister of the United Kingdom. Annual Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers)) signed the agreement.
Representatives from the National Council of Churches, Pax Christi Korea, the Asian American Christian Community and the black Christian organization The Witness also signed the letter.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Joel Carillet
