WCRC calls for prayers for peace in Palestine

Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. —Proverbs 31:9

The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) calls on its members and the broader ecumenical movement to pray and work towards peace in Palestine.

Under the present dispensation in Israel, violence has escalated in the West Bank with settlers’ attacks on Palestinian towns and villages. Three months into 2023, the number of Palestinians killed has been the highest since the second Intifada. This current round of violence includes setting homes and cars on fire, property destruction, and the raiding of villages. In total, 72 Palestinians have been killed. Meanwhile, 12 Israeli civilians and one police officer have also been killed. With the continuation of this cycle of violence, Christians urgently need to take theological responsibility for what is happening.

Israel’s settler-colonial project reflects imperial ambitions in which violence is crucial to its continuation. We call on the international community to denounce the actions of Israel and to support the Palestinian community in the midst of the injustices that they are suffering. Today we are called in to sharpen our approaches to our theological and political interpretation and define our theology of resistance.

While the vision for the life and future of both people is gloomy, we continue to work and promote a strong call that stems from the strength of our belief in God, God’s righteousness and love for all humanity; we pray and work with the firm hope for the day when both oppressor and oppressed create a new society for all the people of the land.

We call on all people of goodwill to pray and work to promote a culture of life in the face of violence and death.

• Access Focus: Palestine, a resource to work for justice.

_{Image: An icon of Virgin Mary has been painted onto the separation wall raised by Israeli security forces to block off Bethlehem from Jerusalem. The painting is known by names such as ‘The lady of the wall’ or ‘Our Lady who brings down walls.’ (Life on Earth/Albin Hillert)}