Several Member Churches and Charities and Networks in Association with Churches Together in England (CTE) have joined the ‘Time to Act’ campaign organised by the Just Peace Coalition.
This cross-denominational coalition is calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine. They say the conflict in the Middle East and the rise in Israeli settler violence in the West Bank has decimated communities – Christian and Muslim alike – and destroyed the lives and life chances of millions.
Christian Aid Church Relations Lead and Coalition spokesperson Rev John Plant said: “We are united in our belief that a just peace in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is possible. But until our leaders act, the violence, displacement, detention and fear will carry on. Communities will be decimated, whole families wiped out, along with the possibility of a Palestinian state.
“We are mobilising church communities across the UK to stand with our sisters and brothers and raise their voices in a united call for stronger action to work towards a sustainable and just peace for all those who call the Holy Land home. By adding your name, you are joining a growing movement of people committed to listening, learning, living differently, and taking action for justice, accountability, and peace.”
CTE partners who have joined the Just Peace Coalition include CAFOD; Christian Aid; Iona Community; Methodist Church, Quakers in Britain and the United Reformed Church.
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “Time to Act provides us with the opportunity to come together as Christians and to advocate for a just peace in Israel and Palestine – a peace characterised by the active promotion of justice and the nurturing of equitable relationships within and between communities so that everyone can live life in all its fullness. I encourage all Christians to join this campaign and to seek this peace and to pursue it with all the urgency that it requires.”
Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, said: “I pray that this call reaches those who may hear and respond, so that in the darkness of troubles there may be hope.”
Visit the Just Peace Coalition website for more information on the campaign.