Palestine and the Church: A Time to Act
KAIROS, church leaders and heads of church agencies have signed an ecumenical statement in solidarity with Palestinian and Israeli partners, calling on the international community to hold Israel and Hamas accountable for their violations of international law. Appalled by the Trump Administration’s statements supporting ethnic cleansing and further forced displacement in Gaza, this ecumenical statement urges all Canadians to act in support of the human rights and dignity of Palestinians, and in opposition to continuing violations of their legal, civil and human rights by the Israeli government and its allies.
In it, they write:
“Words are not enough. . .
. . . We call on church members to continue to pray and act for peace. We urge church members to share their concerns for human rights, international law, and a just peace in the Middle East with their elected leaders and with those seeking public office. We call on member churches, church constituents and all Canadians to amplify the calls of churches, faith leaders, civil society organizations and partners in the region for just peace, human dignity and international law, with strength and with urgency.”
National Bishop Susan Johsnon representing the ELCIC signed the letter together with Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Church leaders and other church agencies. You can read the full statement here.
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Jonathan Kuttab, human rights lawyer and executive director of Friends of Sabeel* North America (FOSNA), has written a response to the recently announced plans by Israel to take full control of humanitarian aid distribution inside Gaza using private American security contractors. You can read his "The Hunger Plan" here.
*Sabeel is a Christian ecumenical organization focused on justice and peace in the Holy Land. It's rooted in Palestinian liberation theology, advocating for the liberation and well-being of the Palestinian people through non-violence and education. The name "Sabeel" is Arabic for "the way" or "spring," symbolizing the path towards justice and peace.