The World Council of Churches Statement on Palestine and Israel
24 June 2025
The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), met in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 18 to 24 June 2025. On the final day of their meeting they have expressed “deep lamentation and outrage” as the crisis in Palestine and Israel escalates to levels that flagrantly violate international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the most basic principles of morality.
…we reaffirm that the WCC stands firm against any kind of racism…. However, the unbearable suffering inflicted on the people of Gaza, and the escalating violence and oppression in the West Bank and in Jerusalem compel the global fellowship of churches to speak with clarity, urgency, and commitment to the principles of justice under international law and ethics.
The WCC has a long-standing commitment to inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, and to international law as a framework for peace, justice, and accountability. And as such, the WCC Central Committee calls for:
- Naming the Reality of Apartheid: We recognize and denounce the system of apartheid imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people, in violation of international law and moral conscience.
- Implementing Sanctions and Accountability: We call on states, churches, and international institutions to impose consequences for violations of international law, including targeted sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes. Full support must be given to the International Criminal Court and UN mechanisms investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Affirming Palestinian Rights and Freedom: We uphold the inalienable human rights of Palestinians to freedom, justice, return, and self-determination. We demand the end of the occupation and the lifting of the unlawful blockade on Gaza.
- Support for the resilience and witness of Palestinian Christian churches and communities, upholding their right to remain on their land and to freely practice their faith.
Read the Statement in full here: Statement on Palestine and Israel: A Call to End Apartheid, Occupation, and Impunity in Palestine and Israel | World Council of Churches central committee | 24 June 2025
Read more: WCC central committee: end apartheid, occupation, and impunity in Palestine and Israel | oikoumene.org | News | 24 June 2025