“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Four church leaders have jointly issued a statement supporting the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and urging a permanent ceasefire.
The statement is signed by The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator, The United Church of Canada; The Most Rev. Anne Germond, Acting-Primate, Anglican Church of Canada; The Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls, Moderator, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and Rev. Susan C. Johnson, National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
“As Christian leaders, since October 7, 2023, we have repeatedly called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, for the immediate and safe release of all captives, humanitarian aid for Gazans, and the safe return of Gazans to their homes and neighbourhoods,” the leaders write. “We also express our deepest concern that occupation forces and illegal settlers are escalating violence against Palestinian refugee camps, farmers, orchards, homes and lands in the West Bank. Only when the occupation of all Palestinian territories ends can genuine peace be realized.”
Read the full statement in the Downloads section, below.
Downloads
- Letter from Church Leaders Calling for Permanent Ceasefire (345.97 KB) (PDF)