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Christian organizations in Palestine release open letter

At an International Peace Consultation on 20 June, the National Coalition of Christian Organizations in Palestine issued on open letter to the WCC and the ecumenical movement, stating, “There is still no justice in our land.” In today’s Palestine, discrimination and inequality, military occupation and systematic oppression are the rule, the letter states: “Today, we stand in front of an impasse and we have reached a deadlock. Despite all the promises, endless summits, UN resolutions, religious and lay leader’s callings – Palestinians are still yearning for their freedom and independence, and seeking justice and equality.”

WCC decries 50 years of occupation of Palestinian territories

Writing 100 years after the Balfour Declaration and fifty years after Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories captured in the 1967 War, the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) executive committee lamented the ongoing failure of the parties to seek just peace and remarked on “an indelible stain on the conscience of members of the international community” for their failure to resolve the situation.

Pentecost is time to pray for unity and just peace

The fellowship and unity that Jesus’ disciples once experienced praying together during a time of fear in Jerusalem at Pentecost “spelled a new beginning” for the mission of the Church, the general secretary of the WCC has reminded Christians worldwide from the Holy Land.

WCC concerned over conditions for Palestinian prisoners

The WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit today expressed his concern regarding the ongoing hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. Over 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli prisons began a hunger strike on 17 April, demanding improved prison conditions.

Holy work for the Holy Land

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel was launched by the WCC in 2002 based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country. So far, more than 1,800 ecumenical accompaniers have worked to create conditions for a just peace.

USA pastors reflect on Holy Land pilgrimage

In mid-February, 16 African-American pastors from the USA toured the Holy Land to learn more about the Israel and Palestine conflict. The visit was an initiative by the Lott Carey Global Christian Missional Community and led by its president, Rev. Dr Alyn E. Waller, who is a senior pastor at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

WCC gravely concerned over Israel’s travel ban

The World Council of Churches (WCC) today expressed grave concern about a new law passed on Monday by the Knesset which reportedly forbids granting entry visas to foreign nationals who call for economic, cultural or academic boycotts of either Israel or the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ‘Entry to Israel Act (Denial of Visa to Non-Residents Who Knowingly Call for a Boycott on Israel)’ apparently makes no distinction between boycotting Israel proper and boycotting products of the settlements, which are widely considered illegal under international law.

Bishop Younan awarded Niwano Peace Prize

Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land was named a recipient of the Niwano Peace Prize for his work toward interreligious dialogue among Christians, Muslims, and Jews in Jerusalem and worldwide.

WCC general secretary reflects on peace in Palestine and Israel

The WCC is committed to a just peace in Palestine and Israel with a view that this conflict is about justice with deep moral dimensions that must be given proper weight by all if we are to reach a lasting solution. Religion can both contribute to the increase of the level of conflict, or help establish peace. Read the interview with the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit.

إنهاء الاحتلال للأراضي المقدسة وحث رجال الدين على إجراء المشاورات في الولايات المتحدة

أصدر مجلس الكنائس العالمي والمجلس الوطني لكنائس المسيح في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية بيانا يدعو إلى وضع حد لانتهاكات حقوق الإنسان وإنهاء المعاناة المستمرة للأجيال في الأراضي المقدسة وذلك خلال المشاورة المشتركة بشأن الاوضاع في الأراضي المقدسة.