An olive tree, symbolizing peace, in Jerusalem. Photo: LWF/M. Renaux
Statement from the Lutheran World Federation
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) expresses dismay over the escalating violence and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators at the Gaza border which has led to the death of 41 people and more than 1700 people wounded.
The LWF urges the parties involved to show utmost restraint and work towards the de-escalation of the conflict.
The LWF stands in full support with its member church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and its recent statement of 14 May on the Opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem.
The LWF regrets that its urgent request to the US administration to refrain from recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was disregarded.
At its Twelfth Assembly in May 2017, the LWF called for:
“A final status agreement that affirms two states for two peoples, internationally recognized borders between Israel and a viable, contiguous Palestine based on the 1967 armistice lines, security guarantees for Israel and Palestine, mutual recognition and full and equal rights for their citizens, a fair resolution to the Palestinian refugee issue and a shared Jerusalem between Israelis and Palestinians with free access to the holy sites for the three monotheistic faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.”
The LWF calls upon the international community to seek with new vigor a peaceful resolution of the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The LWF calls upon its member churches to:
- Urge their respective governments to multi-laterally work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
- Pray for peace with justice to be established so that no more blood is shed on the Holy Land.
