WCC NEWS: Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem urge rapid agreement for ceasefire

In a 26 August statement, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem observe that the twelfth month of the devastating war is rapidly approaching, express their grave concerns, and urge an immediate ceasefire. File photo, Gaza 2024. Photo: Middle East Council of Churches Department of Services to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR-MECC) 27 August 2024 Millions of refugees remain displaced, their homes inaccessible, destroyed, or beyond repair,” reads the statement. “Hundreds of innocents are weekly killed or severely wounded by indiscriminate attacks.” Countless others continue to endure hunger, thirst, and infectious disease, the statement notes. “Throughout this all, ceasefire negotiations have dragged on interminably, with the leaders of the warring parties seemingly more concerned with political considerations than bringing an end to the pursuit of death and destruction,” the text reads. “These repeated delays, coupled with other provocative acts, have only served to heighten tensions to the point where we stand at the precipice of a full-blown regional war.” The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem implore the leaders of the warring parties and the international community to reach a rapid agreement for a ceasefire resulting in the end of the war, the release of all captives, the return of the displaced, the treatment of the sick and wounded, the relief of those who hunger and thirst, and the rebuilding of all public and private civilian structures that have been destroyed. “Just as importantly, we call upon the leaders of these peoples, in concert with the international community, to take up without delay diplomatic discussions addressing longstanding grievances between them, leading to concrete steps that promote a just and lasting peace in our region through the adoption of an internationally legitimate two-state solution,” the statement reads. “While issuing these calls in the best interests of all who inhabit the region, we express our special concern for those Christian communities under our pastoral charge.” These include those taking refuge in Gaza at St Porphyrios Orthodox Church and Holy Family Catholic Church, as well as the staff of al-Ahli Anglican Hospital and the patients under their care. “We pledge to them our continued prayers and support both now and at the conclusion of the war, when we will labor together to rebuild and strengthen the Christian presence in Gaza, as well as throughout the Holy Land,” the statement reads. “During this time of extreme crisis, let us all recommit ourselves towards working and praying together in the hope that, by the grace of the Almighty, we might begin to realize this sacred vision of peace among all God’s children.” Full statement by the Heads of Churches (26 August 2024) See more

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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland