Church leaders make joint call for end to war in Gaza

Church leaders within the UK have issued an urgent appeal for the war in Gaza to finish, saying that the “deadly escalation is futile and must stop”. 

The joint statement has been signed by dozens of leaders from across different denominations and traditions. 

They call for an end to the war and the discharge of all remaining hostages and prisoners. 

The statement laments “the futile lack of life, the suffering and desolation” of the last two years since Hamas’ terror attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 which triggered the war. 

The church leaders urge the international community “to do all in its power to be certain that Israel, because the occupying power, uphold its responsibilities under international law to guard civilians and civilian infrastructure and to make sure the supply of food, water, medicine and other essentials to those in need”.

They “applaud” churches in Gaza which are continuing to support their local communities despite facing enormous challenges themselves. 

“We have called repeatedly for an end to the war in Gaza, that the hostages and prisoners be released, and that unfettered aid reach those in need,” the statement reads.

“Despite our pleas, the conflict continues unabated with the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians, ever more innocent blood shed, homes destroyed, cultural and non secular sites damaged or destroyed, and kids left dying from hunger and starvation.

“We fear that the unfolding assault on Gaza City will only intensify the human suffering and misery as already malnourished and traumatised families are forced, yet again, to flee the horrors of this war.

“This deadly escalation is futile and must stop. We are encouraged to notice that the Foreign Secretary has already described the Government of Israel’s motion as ‘utterly reckless and appalling’. We share her assessment.” 

It adds, “Religious and cultural sites should be protected and revered.”

Signatories of the letter include the interim head of the Church of England, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, the top of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Moderator of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, Rev Canon Graham Sparkes, Free Churches Group Moderator, Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, and Territorial Leader for The Salvation Army within the UK and Ireland, Commissioner Paul Main.

The statement has been issued ahead of an interdenominational day of prayer and public witness for peace within the Holy Land on 21 September that has been timed to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. 

The Church leaders conclude, “In these violent and dark days, we invite our churches to not despair, but to affix with us in praying for an end to this war – to wish for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122) – and, in working with the Churches within the Holy Land and with all those that have the courage to hunt what is sweet, to assist create and support the conditions of healing and life on this troubled land.”