WCC demands immediate ceasefire, humanitarian corridors in Palestine and Israel
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| A woman walks through Shejaiya, a Gaza neighbourhood which bore the brunt of some of the most intense Israeli air attacks during the 2014 war. Throughout Gaza, members of the ACT Alliance are supporting health care, vocational training, rehabilitation of housing and water systems, psycho-social care, and a variety of other humanitarian activities. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth | |
The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on 8-14 November, released a statement that demands an immediate ceasefire, and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Palestine and Israel.
"We look to the Holy Land with a heavy heart, for all the death, destruction and trauma being inflicted on the people of the land. We listen to the cries of innocent children, women and men, who suffer so grievously and unjustly from this brutal violence. We lament with all who suffer – Israelis bereaved, held hostage or otherwise affected by the attacks on 7 October, the people of Gaza displaced from their homes, grieving for loved ones buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings, and enduring continuous intense bombardment." begins the Statement.
Read:
WCC executive committee statement on the war in Palestine and Israel | WCC 13 November 2023 | Oikoumene.org
WCC demands immediate ceasefire, humanitarian corridors in Palestine and Israel | WCC 13 November 2023 | Oikoumene.org
Violence against Palestinians is rising in the West Bank
Despite the war, security concerns, and travel restrictions, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) and the WCC Jerusalem Office continue to operate. Ecumenical accompaniers have observed increasing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank since October 7.
“The WCC Jerusalem Office supports the quest by local churches to build justice and peace, protect vulnerable communities, and advocate for equal human rights in Palestine and Israel.” Yusef Daher, coordinator of the Jerusalem Office
Read:
Violence against Palestinians is rising in the West Bank | WCC 16 November 2023 | Oikoumene.org
The Middle East Council of Churches
MECC Statement - Beyond tolerance and hatred lies this frantic race
The Beatitudes
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
