Churches and Christian organisations are responding with prayers and statements to the violence in the Middle East:
O God of all
Of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael:
Our hearts are broken in pieces at the suffering and murder of your people.
Our voices cry for peace and for justice.
Comfort those who grieve,
Console and heal the injured,
Be close to those in fear,
Restrain with your mighty hand those who perpetrate violence.
Send us your wisdom in all that we say and do,
That our voice may always seek justice, peace and security for all.
Amen.
Revd Peter Colwell, Deputy General Secretary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
CTBI Inter Faith Theological Advisory Group
November 2023
The violence that we have witnessed in Israel and Gaza over the last two months has been very distressing. How should we respond as Christians and Churches who are committed to dialogue, reconciliation, justice and peace? The CTBI Inter Faith Theological Advisory Group has produced a short resource that offers reflection and pointers for discussion out of a context of ecumenical and inter faith relations:
Download “Torn in Two” – Responding to the Israel-Palestine Conflict.
Baptist Union of Great Britain
October 2024
One year on
21/02/2024
‘Spreading hope and love amid the darkness’
15/11/2023
‘Incredibly challenging – but tangibly showing Christ’s love’
Oct 2023
A message from Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain:
I am certain, like me, many of you have been watching the news this week and have been overwhelmed with emotion at what is unfolding in Israel and the Palestinian territories. At times like this, as the world analyses the developing situation, comments on the complex history of the region and makes statements of sympathy or blame, my hope is that those of us who put our faith in God will see past the politics and the history, and have the courage to stare into the eyes of all those who suffer and see both their humanity and the reflection of Christ, who knows both the land and the suffering intimately. As you do that, please join me in prayer, to the God of all comfort, peace and hope.
A Prayer for the Israeli and Palestinian People
Lord God,
It is with shock and horror we witness the devastating violence and loss of life in Israel-Palestine over recent days.
We come to you as the source of all comfort
asking that you send your Spirit to surround and uphold
all those who are grieving,
all those who are suffering,
all those in fear,
and all those in captivity.
May the arms of comfort and compassion, overwhelm the arms of war.
We come to you as the source of all peace
asking that you send your Spirit to
strengthen and uphold those pursuing an end to violence,
embolden those with a heart for truth and justice,
and amplify voices of wisdom and restraint.
May the light of peace and reconciliation, overwhelm the darkness of destruction.
We come to you as the source of all hope,
asking that you send your Spirit to bring about a future,
where neighbours embrace despite their differences,
where love conquers hate,
humility surpasses pride,
and where forgiveness is treasured as a fundamental strength.
May the hope of a day when weapons of conflict will be transformed into tools of reconciliation be realised soon,
so there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away.
Amen
Catholic Church
On October 7, I ask everyone to take part in a day of #Prayer and fasting for #Peace in the world. #PrayTogether
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 2, 2024
It is with sorrow and great concern that I continue to follow the spread and escalation of the conflict in Lebanon. Let us pray for the victims, for their families, and for peace.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) September 29, 2024
Let us #PrayTogether for the conflict in Palestine and Israel. May there be peace in the Holy Land; may there be peace in Jerusalem! May the Holy City be a place of encounter where Christians, Jews, and Muslims feel respected and welcomed.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) September 1, 2024
It is with great concern that I continue to follow the situation in the Middle East. Let us #PrayTogether that the sincere search for peace may extinguish strife, that love may overcome hatred and vengeance may be disarmed by forgiveness.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) August 7, 2024
Enough, brothers and sisters! Enough! Do not stifle the word of the God of Peace! May peace be the future of the Holy Land, the Middle East, and the entire world. War is a defeat!
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) August 4, 2024
I encourage the international community to act urgently, by any means necessary, to aid the people of Gaza exhausted by the war. Humanitarian aid must reach those in need, and no one should prevent it.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 9, 2024
No more war, no more attacks, no more violence! Yes to dialogue and yes to peace! Let us #PrayTogether for peace. pic.twitter.com/oPeRUvYyD0
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 14, 2024
3 April 2024
Pope Francis renews appeal for ceasefire in Gaza
Catholic Church in England and Wales
2 October 2024
Day of prayer, penance and fasting for peace
I urge all to pray for present situation in Lebanon and Israel.
We ask our Heavenly Father to touch and change all hearts that are intent on warfare, and to strengthen those who work for peace.https://t.co/XTn23CcNPs
— Cardinal Nichols (@CardinalNichols) October 1, 2024
7 July 2024
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issues statement on the raids on the Sacred Family School in Gaza
24 April 2024
Gaza Parish Priest in the UK to raise the plight of Christians in the Holy Land
28 March 2024
Pope lauds Holy Land Christians as guardians of the places of our salvation
8 March 2024
Proclaim reconciliation and pray for the children of the Holy Land, says Bishop
Cardinal Vincent has called for this Friday to be a day of prayer for peace in the Holy Land and Gaza, ‘as a vital part of our observance of Lent.’https://t.co/XzUuCprF2X
— Westminster Diocese (@RCWestminster) March 4, 2024
14 February 2024
Cardinal Nichols calls for an end to war in the Holy Land
18 January 2024
Cardinal renews call for prayers after 100 days of Israel Gaza war
16 December 2023
Cardinal expresses horror at killings in Holy Family Church compound
7 December 2023
Pope prays Bethlehem song can inspire solidarity, reconciliation and peace in the Holy Land this Christmas
27 November 2023
The people of the Holy Land will not be abandoned, says Archbishop John Wilson
13 November 2023
Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) statement
6 November 2023
Statement on the ongoing war and violence in the Holy Land
13 October 2023
Cardinal Vincent Nichols called for sustained prayers for peace:
A week into the terrible conflict in Israel and Gaza, I urge Catholics to sustain their prayers for peace. The horrific atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel warrant every condemnation.
We continue to hold in our prayers those who were killed, the injured, those held hostage, their families and communities.
The situation facing the millions of civilians in Gaza also calls for effective humanitarian relief. We pray too for those killed, injured and displaced there.
At home I appeal for restraint and the total avoidance of hateful language and action, as the impact of this conflict is felt in communities here.
Day of Prayer and Fasting
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, as President of the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land (ACOHL), called for a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer for peace and reconciliation. Inviting all parishes and religious communities to pray on Tuesday 17 October.
Please see the Catholic Church in England and Wales website.
Preaching at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Marylebone, on 7 October 2023, Cardinal Vincent Nichols asked the faithful to pray for peace in the aftermath of a surprise attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel from Gaza. Please see the Catholic Church in England and Wales web page.
Catholic Church in Ireland
20 Jun 2024
Irish Bishops call for courageous world leadership to stop Israel/Hamas war
22 March 2024
Archbishop Eamon Martin encourages prayers for peace during Holy Week and Easter
5 March 2024
‘Let us all say: enough … Stop the War!’ – Irish Bishops
Please join me in a novena of prayer 4–12 March, offering up the #Rosary and an extra Lenten sacrifice for a complete #ceasefire in #Gaza and #Israel and return home of all hostages. The awful violence must stop and a massive humanitarian effort allowed to save Life. pic.twitter.com/rZtPajU9fn
— Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) March 3, 2024
13 November 2023
Bishop McGuckian: please pray for our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, and in solidarity give to Trócaire
Join in prayer this Friday for #peace in the #HolyLand #Israel #Gaza @LPJerusalem Watch video here🙏 pic.twitter.com/zYJzDEgiQY
— Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) October 25, 2023
Catholic Church in Scotland
9 November 2023
Bishops urge party leaders to back peace calls.
Christian Aid
7 October 2024
Gaza online vigil
Join Christian Aid one year on from October 7, to pause, pray and stand in solidarity for peace.
26 October 2023
Christian Aid, alongside over 20 church leaders and Christian organisations, is calling for a ceasefire and all governments with influence to bring an immediate end to the violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
The statement reads:
Christian Aid, the undersigned church leaders and Christian organisations are gravely concerned by the mounting death toll across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. There can be no justification for the deliberate killing, maiming and kidnapping of civilians, which is a crime under international law and for which the perpetrators should be held accountable. We unequivocally condemn the violence carried out by Hamas in Israel on 7th October.
The subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza has added enormously to the toll of civilian suffering. Innocent Palestinians are going through an increasingly grave humanitarian crisis as a result the Israeli government’s strategy of relentless bombardment, which has left no place safe, and of siege, which effectively strangles life. The death toll in Gaza is over 7,000 and, with no end in sight, will no doubt dramatically rise.
We call on all governments with influence to help bring about an immediate end to the violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Specifically, we call for the following steps to be taken:
- Protection of civilians and an end to all violence, with adoption of a ceasefire without conditions.
- The unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.
- Unfettered and immediate humanitarian access, as urged by the UN, including immediate reconnection to water and electricity.
- Unequivocal support for the ICC to conduct a truly independent investigation into all war crimes to ensure accountability.
- Acknowledgement of the failure of the international community to effectively engage with any meaningful peace process, and a commitment to work ceaselessly from now on to address the root causes of the violence which must include an end to the occupation.
Please see the Christian Aid website for more details and the list of signatories.
Church of England
Lord we lift before you all those who mourn today. For those held captive, for those without shelter and safety, for those enduring violence, mourning and despair – Lord have mercy.
We pray for our Jewish neighbours, and our Muslim neighbours, in the Holy Land, in the UK and…
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) October 7, 2024
Twelve months on from the events of October 7 and the continuing war in Gaza and the wider region, join us in this prayer for peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Rh2V51opWO
— The Church of England (@churchofengland) October 7, 2024
6 October 2024
Joint letter with faith leaders marking the one year anniversary of 7th October attacks in Israel
Please pray for the suffering people of Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. The monstrous violence and fear that so many are enduring is an affront to the God in whose image every person is made. It cannot go on.
Read my full statement here https://t.co/bl3lLOJhPr pic.twitter.com/5UEJN2HPkH
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) September 30, 2024
The murder of six Israeli hostages in Gaza is yet another evil deed in this terrible war. The deep grief of their families and friends is devastating. Such atrocities spring from hatred and lead to more violence. The slaughter of hostages is and always has been a terrible war…
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) September 1, 2024
There is never any justification for killing children – whether in Palestine, Israel or Lebanon. This devastating cycle of violence must stop.
I condemn the deadly airstrikes on children and teenagers in Majdal Shams, on Khadija Girls' School in Gaza, and all other attacks that…
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) July 29, 2024
Hospitals must be protected under international humanitarian law.
I stand with my brother Archbishop Hosam Naoum in protesting the closure and evacuation of the Anglican-run Al Ahli hospital in Gaza in the strongest possible terms. And I condemn the attack on an ambulance en… pic.twitter.com/z4kZPX2huu
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) July 8, 2024
23 May 2024
Archbishop of Canterbury renews call for a ceasefire in address to the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly
Aid workers can never be a target in war.
Far too many humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza. The killing of seven @WCKitchen workers by an Israeli strike is another appalling breach of international humanitarian law in this war.
I pray for the families and colleagues…
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) April 4, 2024
If nothing changes in the war in Gaza then famine is imminent – this week’s @theIPCinfo report is yet another reminder of that. For some it’s already too late – children are beginning to die of starvation and dehydration. These deaths, and the famine-like conditions in Gaza, are…
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) March 21, 2024
13 February 2024
House of Bishops makes call for immediate ceasefire and release of hostages
Church of Ireland
2 October 24
A prayer for peace amid escalating war.
28 September 24
Archbishops call for prayer for ceasefire.
14 April 24
Archbishops renew appeal for prayers for peace in the Middle East.
23 Feb 24
‘These days are the most difficult’ for Al Ahli Hospital: a voice from within ….
10 Nov 23
Dublin and Glendalough launch Diocese of Jerusalem Appeal.
18 Oct 23
Statement from the Archbishop of Dublin on bombing of al–Ahli Hospital, Gaza.
9 Oct 23
Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Michael Jackson have asked all members of the Church of Ireland to pray for peace in the Holy Land, and emergency humanitarian funds have been released to the sister church in the region, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem:
The rapidly escalating and degenerating situation in Israel and Palestine awakens within us our deep compassion for our brothers and sisters of all faiths in the Land of the Holy One. Where lives are lost through military attack and response, humanity in its entirety is diminished. We all grieve.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have called for peace and justice amidst unfolding violence. They have unequivocally condemned any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or faith. They have called on the international community to redouble its efforts to mediate a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.
The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development is releasing €10,000 (equivalent to £8,650) in emergency funds to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The Diocese includes 7,000 Anglicans worshipping within 28 congregations in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It is responsible for more than 30 institutions, including hospitals, schools, clinics, rehabilitation centres, guesthouses, and retirement homes. The Diocese runs Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza which provides medical care and support to all people, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.
We urge the people of the Church of Ireland to pray for peace in the Land of the Holy One and pray for wisdom for those in positions of authority to work towards an end to all violence. We uphold to God in prayer all who are affected by the current conflict. All human life is the gift of God. The Church of Ireland, in its daily prayers, prays for people suffering in conflict, those who seek to bring care and relief, and the peace of the world.
A Prayer for the Peace of the World – from the Book of Common Prayer
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed; Kindle, we pray thee, in every heart the true love of peace; and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please see the Church of Ireland website.
Church Leaders Group (Ireland)
25 Nov 23
Irish Church leaders welcome cessation of armed conflict in Gaza
Church of Scotland
7 October 2024
Statement from the Moderator on the one-year anniversary of the 7 October attacks.
1 October 2024
Congregations encouraged to pray for peace in Lebanon.
13 August 2024
Church writes to Foreign Secretary on Israel-Gaza war.
22 May 2024
General Assembly calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
🧵1) Reacting to the news that the United Nations Security Council has called for an "immediate ceasefire" in #Gaza, @churchmoderator said: "I welcome the call for an immediate #ceasefire and unconditional release of all hostages, as this is the only path towards peace. pic.twitter.com/oAQceyJqMH
— Church of Scotland (@churchscotland) March 25, 2024
22 November 2023
Moderator welcomes Israel Palestine hostage release agreement.
8 October 2023
Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has issued a statement:
“I reach out to you all, as we continue to grapple with the shattering violence unfolding in Israel and Gaza, and to ask for your prayers and your action.
“Across Scotland, our Jewish friends, neighbours and colleagues grieve the loss of loved ones following the devastating terrorist attacks we witnessed unfolding over the weekend, worry for friends and family who have been kidnapped and fear the possibility of increased antisemitism in their own neighbourhoods as tensions rise across the world.
“In Scotland, our friends with family in Gaza mourn the loss of loved ones, worry for those unable to find safety or a place of refuge and fear an even more uncertain future.
“Together we agonise, yet again, over peace gone to pieces. We desperately try to fathom how we can be any comfort to the members of our global family trapped in the middle of such a barrage of violence and fear. We are appalled by the horrifying levels of brutality and the inhumanity of mass murder scenes of which were broadcast across our screens in horrifying, gut-wrenching detail.
“We call for calm and active consideration for the innocent civilians who are suffering in Israel and Gaza. Peace in our world can never come through violence. Peace in our spirits can never come through revenge.
“So, what can we do in the face of war?
“If you pray, pray from your guts, not your lips – offer a prayer that moves in you and through you – one that calls you to reach out to a fearful neighbour, to speak up for peace and calm and the unity of humanity.
“Pray for all those many people injured and those mourning the loss of loved ones and those living in abject fear who await news of family members missing.
“Wherever you are, check in on your Jewish neighbours, friends and colleagues.
“Wherever you are, check in on your neighbours, friends and colleagues who have family in Gaza.
“Wherever you are, be mindful of your words. Tarring with a broad brush adds more fuel to the fire, so be kind to one another wherever you find each other.
“The Zulu phrase, Ubuntu, is the theme for my year as Moderator and its challenging truth resonates powerfully today. ‘I am because you are.’ We are one global family. When we look into the face of another human being, God looks out from the windows of their souls. Today, love God by loving each other.”
Please see the Church of Scotland website which includes a prayer for peace.
On 8 October 2023, Rev David Cameron, Convener of the Assembly Trustees on the Israel Gaza Conflict gave this message:
“We are horrified by the situation currently occurring in Israel and Gaza, and the wider areas. The sudden attack by Hamas on Israel, 50 years and a day after the Yom Kippur War, came at a time when many Israelis were celebrating the end of the festival of Succot.
“At this time, our prayers are for all of those affected by these horrendous events. They are with the families of those killed, both in Israel and in Gaza. They are with those who have been taken hostage. They are with those dealing with the decisions to be made in the days ahead. With two Mission Partners and 160 locally employed staff, our prayers are also with them and their families, and they are with all whom we know in both Israel and Gaza.
“There can be no peace without justice, and we all must do what we can to bring justice to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Gaza.”
For the full message, please see the Church of Scotland website.
Church in Wales
24 September 2024
Bishops call for prayers to mark anniversary of Middle East conflict
29 March 2024
Easter Message from the Bishop of St Asaph
14 February 2024
Bishops support call for Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages
13 December 2023
Pray for peace this Christmas – Archbishop’s joint message
21 November 2023
Churches urged to support Christmas Appeal for the Holy Land
16 November 2023
Bishops call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
2 November 2023
Churches across Wales are being asked to pray for peace in the Israel and Gaza conflict this weekend.
31 October 2023
The Church in Wales bishops are calling for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Gaza.
We need to pray for peace in the Holy Land. I’m joining in with others from all around the world in praying the prayer that Archbishop Hosam @naoum1974 , the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East, has invited us to pray. Do join with me in praying for peace. pic.twitter.com/bAO0eztpMi
— Archbishop Andrew John (@ArchbishopWales) October 19, 2023
12 October 2023
Pray for peace in the Middle East – Archdeacon in St Davids Diocese, shares his reflections.
We pray for all those affected by the terrible violence that has broken out in Israel and Gaza today. We urge restraint on both sides and call for renewed efforts to work together to find a peaceful solution.
🙏God of peace, be with all those who live in fear and danger. Heal…— The Church in Wales | Yr Eglwys yng Nghymru (@ChurchinWales) October 7, 2023
Churches Together in England
13 October 2023
This week the CTE Presidents met, prayed together and shared their overwhelming grief at events in the Middle East. They urged their Christian brothers and sisters to gather and join them in prayer:
“We appeal to churches to meet together and to pray for peace in the Middle East.”
See the Churches Together in England (CTE) website
Coptic Orthodox Church
Inexplicable attack on the Church compound of the Catholic Parish of the Holy Family in Gaza City with heartbreaking killings and destruction, according to a message from Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Continuing to pray for peace and healing.#LordHaveMercy pic.twitter.com/AXOZ8YDNPz
— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) December 16, 2023
Leaving Jordan with continued prayers for the region, peace and comfort upon every community, the reuniting of families separated, strength for captives, a ceasefire to protect innocent civilians, and wisdom upon leaders and decision makers to avoid a spread of violence and war.
— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) October 28, 2023
In Jordan for our Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, firstly to express solidarity with our host Archbishop @Naoum1974 and his diocese that covers Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, to meet and pray with churches here, and to reflect on next steps of the dialogue. pic.twitter.com/Owk1ukgeeH
— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) October 26, 2023
A moving @CopticDiocese prayer service in London this evening for the fallen, bereaved, injured, traumatised, fearful and displaced in #Israel and #Gaza, and in Sudan, Ukraine and Russia.
“For [Jesus] Himself is our peace, Who… has broken down [the] wall of hostility” Eph2:15 pic.twitter.com/NgMGZpnZBE
— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) October 23, 2023
Spoke with my brother Archbishop @Naoum1974 earlier today to express our condolences and the assurance of our prayers for Christian sisters and brothers in Israel and Gaza, and their wider communities, in the wake of unspeakable suffering. They must never feel abandoned or alone. pic.twitter.com/axQdLc5STV
— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) October 21, 2023
In the midst of extensive reporting, rhetoric and analysis of yesterday’s attack and counter attack in Israel and Gaza we cannot lose sight of the real human cost of hundreds who have died and many thousands bereaved and fearful on both sides today. Praying for peace and healing.
— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) October 8, 2023
Methodist Church
12 August 2024
Prayer following Gaza school building air strike
10 July 2024
Statement on the closure of Al Ahli hospital in Gaza
26 March 2024
More than 140 global Christian leaders call for Gaza ceasefire in Holy Week
22 February 2024
A Statement from the President and Vice-President on the situation in Gaza
29 November 2023
Call for Advent candle to remain unlit for peace
22 November 2023
Statement on ceasefire and hostage release
We give thanks to God for the news that 50 Israeli hostages will be released and for a four day lull in fighting in Gaza.
We continue to pray for those who remain captives, their families and for all who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes in the violence and war we have witnessed since Oct 7th.
We call on world leaders to work tirelessly for the release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire and to facilitate a peace process based on justice for Palestinians and Israelis that works towards a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.
Please see the Methodist Church website.
19 October 20023
President and Vice-President update on the situation in the Middle East:
As deaths and injuries of civilians continue to rise in the Israel-Hamas conflict, we are heartbroken to see the devastation this is having on so many people living in the region. We believe in a God who weeps, and, alongside the Holy Spirit our Comforter, our hearts are breaking with all those whose loved ones have had their lives brutally cut short, for the terror felt by Israeli families, and the unimaginable wait that many face for news of the people being held hostage. We watch in horror as Gazan civilians flee for their lives, unable to leave Gaza and trapped in the midst of a violent and unpredictable conflict.
The situation may feel overwhelming; so much information, so much misinformation and so much misery. Where is our hope? Watching and reading news reports can leave us confused and feeling helpless. What can we do? As members of the Methodist Church we have witnessed the plight of the Palestinian people’s oppression for many years and have sought to encourage those on all sides who are working for lasting peace with justice in the region.
Now we pray for all those people and groups we have met: Daoud Nasser from the Tent of Nations and the recipient of the World Methodist Peace Prize in 2018; Rabbi Nava Hefetz from Rabbis for Human Rights, the Wi’am Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Bethlehem; the staff of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel, and the countless people and families in Gaza and the West Bank who we, as a Church, have supported over the years. We uphold them, praying for their safety, asking for God’s protection and comfort. And we pray for those who have the power to effect change – that they will use this privilege wisely and well to put a swift end to this violence and aggression. We undertake to continue to pray that the beautiful peace of the Prince of Peace will manifest in our world, and we pledge ourselves once again to respond to the Gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out this discipleship in our worship and mission.
We call on the UK Government to do all it can to encourage dialogue between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and states in the wider region. We urge our Government to use its influence to end the siege of Gaza that is depriving its population of water and food, and to call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law.
The Methodist Church website also includes actions to consider in response, including praying.
A prayer from the President and Vice-President of Conference:
God of peace and compassion,
We pray for all impacted by the escalation in conflict in Israel-Palestine
For all who are mourning
For all who are fearful, today, and for what may lie ahead
For all traumatised and re-traumatised by what they have experienced.
Enable us to stand in solidarity with people of peace
May your Spirit bring peace and healing to your troubled world
Amen
The Methodist Church website also has other prayers, statements and briefings.
Methodist Church in Ireland
6 June 2024
Gaza Memorial
Presbyterian Church of Wales
2 April 2024
Vigils in Wales Call for Easter ceasefire in Gaza
Quakers in Britain
7 October 2024
October 7, one year on: a Quaker statement
3 September 2024
Quakers urge full ban on UK arms exports to Israel
2 August 2024
Quakers welcome historic ruling on Palestine but warn of imminent danger of wider war
19 July 2024
Quakers welcome landmark day for Palestine and Israel
11 July 2024
Quakers call for a ‘fundamental reset’ of UK policies towards Palestine
29 May 2024
Joint statement on International Court of Justice orders on Gaza
8 May 2024
Joint statement on Rafah incursion
15 April 2024
Quaker organisations share vision for peace in Palestine and Israel
2 April 2024
Quakers join global Christian leaders in call for Gaza cease-fire
30 January 2024
UK must take urgent action after ICJ genocide ruling, Quakers say
1 December 2023
Support a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, Quakers and others tell world governments
27 October 2023
Quakers join Christian calls for an end to violence in Israel and Palestine
18 October 2023
Quaker organizations call for a ceasefire and humanitarian protections in Gaza.
11 October 2023
Quakers in Britain are shocked and deeply saddened by the major escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine,
As of 11 October 2023, more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel and more than 900 in Gaza. Over 2,700 people have been injured in Israel, and 4,250 in Gaza. More than 260,000 Gazans have been displaced from their homes. Up to 150 people have been taken hostage by Hamas. Behind these rising numbers of deaths and casualties are individual lives ended or changed irrevocably. We mourn those lives already lost and call for an immediate de-escalation.
Indiscriminate attacks on civilians are always unjustifiable. They violate international humanitarian law which seeks to limit the harms of war and protect non-combatants. We condemn the Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians and the taking of hostages. We also condemn the violent actions of the Israeli state in Gaza, including airstrikes into areas with high civilian populations, and cutting off water, electricity, and access to humanitarian relief.
We have said before that these cycles of violence must be understood in the context of Israel’s military occupation of Palestine, including the blockade on Gaza. The past year has seen record levels of attacks on Palestinian communities, and a sharp increase in human rights violations. This includes demolition of homes and schools, repression of nonviolent protests and mass-arrests.
As Quakers we place equal value on every human life and see that the structural violence of the occupation damages all people of the region. We believe the situation can only be resolved when the occupation has ended and the inherent equality, dignity and worth of all is realised.
It is time for everyone – including the international community – to recognise that no military solution will bring a permanent end to violence. Only a just peace based on international law can do that. We urge the UK government and international leaders to ensure humanitarian access and response. We call for a ceasefire and release of hostages to prevent further loss of life and suffering for Israelis and Palestinians.
Please see the Quakers in Britain website.
Quakers in Ireland
Statement on tragedy in Israel and Palestine from Will Haire, Clerk, Ireland Yearly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland:
At this time we, Quakers in Ireland, are in shock as we witness the continuing tragedy of Israel and Palestine’s relationship entering a new and terrifying phase. We mourn the lives lost now, adding to the generations of death and misery that has scarred this region, exacerbated by the actions over centuries of outside forces.
We must speak out against the attacks on civilians, the taking of hostages, the cutting off of food, water, electricity, and humanitarian aid. So too do we call for the de-escalation of this terrible cycle of violence.
We know that no military solution will bring a permanent end to this tragedy. We know that only a just peace, based on international law, can do that. We join with those calling for the international community to focus now, working together with the people of Israel and Palestine, to bring this forward.
Our focus in the coming year, across the worldwide family of Quakers, is on Ubuntu, the Zulu concept emphasising our deep human interdependence, captured by the phrase “I am because we are”. That human interdependence is true of all the citizens of Palestine and Israel. It is true of all of humanity. So let us understand that we are also intimately involved in this tragedy. Let us seek to uphold everyone in the Light.
Download the statement (PDF)
Scottish Episcopal Church
June 15, 2024
Synod reaches agreement on Israel-Palestine
23 May 2024
Bishops urge electioneering politicians to work for a just peace as famine takes its toll in Gaza
The Union of Welsh Independents
26 March 2024
Easter hope amongst the horror
United Reformed Church
30 September 2024
October 7 anniversary: A prayer for peace
8 July 2024
Help raise £20k for Commitment for Life’s Gaza appeal
5 December 2023
Church leaders call for an end to fighting in Gaza
The URC, @christian_aid and more than 20 church leaders and Christian organisations are calling for a ceasefire and for governments with influence to bring an immediate end to the violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Read more: https://t.co/8B0leUIQCY. pic.twitter.com/hW6O4u0co3
— UnitedReformedChurch (@UnitedReformed) October 31, 2023
The URC offers prayers for public or private use following the outbreak of hostilities in Israel and Palestine.
Please see the URC website.
World Council of Churches (WCC)
7 October 2024
One year after Hamas attacks, WCC urges “pray and act for peace in the Holy Land”
6 October 2024
Church leaders ask for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon
2 September 2024
WCC grieves deaths of hostages in Gaza, calls for immediate ceasefire
26 August 2024
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem urge rapid agreement for ceasefire
8 July 2024
WCC strongly condemns attacks on Sacred Family School in Gaza, closure of hospital
11 June 2024
WCC calls for a permanent ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza
28 May 2024
WCC strongly condemns new attack by Israeli forces near camp for displaced persons in Rafah
4 April 2024
WCC condemns killing of aid workers in Gaza
19 February 2024
WCC general secretary meets Palestinian president, urging an end to “seemingly endless cycle of violence and suffering”
18 February 2024
In times of struggle, WCC accompanies the journey in the Holy Land
17 February 2024
In Holy Land, “light and life have a true and enduring existence” as heads of churches gather with WCC
15 February 2024
WCC general secretary visits Holy Land to strengthen call for just peace
30 December 2023
WCC calls for immediate end to brutal violence in Gaza
16 December 2023
World Council of Churches mourning the loss of two women in the Holy Family Parish in Gaza
13 November 2023
WCC demands immediate ceasefire, humanitarian corridors in Palestine and Israel
19 October 2023
WCC calls for urgent humanitarian response in Gaza and UN-Led criminal investigation
7 October 2023
“The World Council of Churches appeals urgently for an immediate cessation of this deadly violence, for Hamas to cease their attacks and ask both parties for de-escalation of the situation,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “We are deeply concerned about the imminent risks of spiralling conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups, and of the inevitably tragic consequences for the people of the region – Israelis and Palestinians alike – following a period of escalating tensions and violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem.”
Pillay added: “The current attacks threaten only more violence; they cannot provide a path to peace or to justice.
“We urge all WCC member churches to join today in praying for just peace in the land of Christ’s birth, and in solidarity with all the people affected and threatened by violence,” he concluded.
Please see the WCC website.
The WCC has also published calls from Church leaders in the Holy Land for de-escalation of violence and respect for human rights.
