Neighbouring Evangelicals sign call for ceasefire

A number of regional evangelical organizations have signed a joint call to peace in the Holy Land, available since November at MENA-EA.org. Excerpts follow.

We remember that Jesus’ call to make peace came at a time of conflict, violence and deep division in the Holy Land.

We recognize our knowledge and understanding of the Holy Land and the Middle East is incomplete. We acknowledge the complexity of the geopolitical situation, historical grievances, and multiple perspectives of the people groups. We commit to listening and learning from the churches and people of the region.

We humbly seek God’s guidance as we pray for the Middle East so that we do not become desensitized like Jonah and disconnected from God’s plans to reconcile all people to Himself.

We believe the Church bears a responsibility to help break cycles of violence by helping people be set free from their desire for vengeance, and to work towards the flourishing of all people in the Holy Land and in the Middle East.

We mourn and lament the continued tragic loss of life in the Holy Land.

We call for de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities between Israel and different Palestinian formations and supporters, including Hamas.

We condemn the attacks on civilians by Hamas. Hamas’ acts of aggression are deplorable and despicable.

We note that Israel in pursuit of Hamas has caused more civilian deaths in Palestine. We condemn these further deaths.

We lament the indignity of displaced populations.

We call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages.

We condemn every narrative that dehumanizes ethnic or religious groups, and we condemn all forms of racism and antisemitism.

There were 18 signatories to the call at press time, including the Peace and Reconciliation Network, Asia Evangelical Alliance, Alianza Evangélica Latina, and numerous evangelical groups in the Middle East and Africa.