News
Two churches in North America have issued a joint Holy Week message lamenting that the Middle East remains marked by tragedy, while noting events in Egypt and Syria, but rejoicing in the hope that the resurrection of Jesus brings.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ (UCC), both member churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC), released their joint message on 10 April.
“In this Holy Week, we rejoice that Christians around the world of different traditions will celebrate together the resurrection, the hope of Easter, and the day when violence and hatred may cease.
“We imagine the moment when love of God and love of neighbor, common to the faith traditions of the region, are realized,” said the statement signed by Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Disciples and Rev. Dr John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the UCC.
The said, “Even so, we lament that the Middle East remains marked by tragedy and pain, so that sisters and brothers in Christ, indeed, all of the people of the region, cannot fully realize the joy of the season.”
The two churches condemn the 9 April killing of 45 people, including worshippers and police guards, and injuries to more than 100 people from explosions in Coptic Orthodox churches in Tanta and Alexandria, Egypt.
They also denounce the killing of more than 80 residents in a chemical attack on Khan Shaikhoun, Syria in which many others were affected by the inhumane action. They also condemn the 6 April military action by the administration of President Donald Trump as a violation of international law and U.S. Congressional oversight.
The churches cite Luke 19: 37 & 41-42, “As Jesus was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen….
“As he came near and saw the city [of Jerusalem], he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!’”
