The World Council of Churches, World Communion of Reformed Churches, ACT Alliance and Lutheran World Federation have released an “Ecumenical Statement on the Planned Annexation of Occupied Palestinian Territory.”The statement expresses concern over the planned annexation of occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank by Israel.
“Annexation of such territories is in direct violation of international law and goes against several international agreements, UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949,” the statement reads. “We urgently call on the international community to take immediate action to directly address this unilateral action.”
The statement recognizes that this present crisis has historical and complex roots. "Peace can never be unilaterally imposed; or achieved by violent means,” the text reads. “We offer our solidarity and support with the understanding that the God of life calls us into actions of justice for all the oppressed.”
Both organizations pledged continued prayer and active advocacy. “We call for a steadfast hope that inspires action rather than passivity,” the statement reads. “We resolve to continue working for a long lasting and true peace in the Holy Land.”
World Council of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches write letter appealing to EU for firm stance against annexing occupied Palestinian territory (WCC press release of 11 May 2020)
Media contacts
The World Council of ChurchesMarianne Ejdersten, Director of Communication
Email mej@wcc-coe.org
Tel +41 79 507 63 63
The World Communion of Reformed Churches
Phil Tanis, Executive Secretary for Communications and Operations
Email philip.tanis@wcrc.eu
Tel +49 511 8973 1682
ACT Alliance
Simon Chambers, Director of Communications
Email simon.chambers@actalliance.org
Tel +1 6479395758
The Lutheran World Federation
Rev. Arni Svanur Danielsson, Head of Communication
Email arni.danielsson@lutheranworld.
Tel +41 78 929 9686
The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.
Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press
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