WCC News: Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issue humanitarian plea for Gaza

In a statement released 14 February, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued a humanitarian plea for Gaza. Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem meeting on 14 February 2025. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate 18 February 2025 “As custodians of the Christian faith and conscience in this sacred land, we raise our voices in sorrow and steadfast resolve in the face of the ongoing suffering in Gaza,” reads the statement. “The devastation that has unfolded before the eyes of the world is a profound moral and humanitarian tragedy.” The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem reflected that thousands of innocent lives have been lost, and entire communities stand in ruin, with the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and the sick—enduring unimaginable hardship. “Amid this anguish, we are compelled to speak against the grave threat of mass displacement, an injustice that strikes at the very heart of human dignity,” the statement reads. “The people of Gaza, families who have lived for generations in the land of their ancestors, must not be forced into exile, stripped of whatever is left of their homes, their heritage, and their right to remain in the land that forms the essence of their identity.” As Christians, we cannot be indifferent to such suffering, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem note.  “In this same spirit, we also call for the release of all captives from both sides so that they can be safely reunited with their families,” continues the statement. “We additionally appeal to all people of faith, to governments, and to the international community to act swiftly and decisively to halt this catastrophe,” reads the text. “Let there be no justification for the uprooting of a people who have already suffered beyond measure.” The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem call for an immediate unfettered humanitarian access to those in desperate need. “To abandon them now would be to abandon our shared humanity,” reads the statement. “May the God of mercy strengthen the afflicted, soften the hearts of those who hold power, and bring forth a peace that upholds justice, preserves human dignity, and safeguards the presence of all people in the land to which they belong.” Statement of the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem on a humanitarian plea for Gaza, 14 February 2025 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland