As people of faith, we must speak out and not be silent in the face of the unfolding catastrophe in the Middle East. The war between the State of Israel and the Republic of Iran represents an immediate and dangerous threat to an already fragile region, and to global peace.
As a Communion of Churches grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ and committed to peace, justice, and reconciliation, we are alarmed by the risk of further military confrontation, the loss of life, the erosion of diplomatic pathways, and the looming risk of the use of nuclear weapons. Indifference is not an option. We are people of hope. We believe that peace is possible, and it is the only way forward.
We reiterate the LWF’s longstanding conviction that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, respect for International Law, and the protection of the human dignity of all people. We urge restraint, wisdom, and moral courage from all leaders and actors involved.
We urge leaders and communities everywhere: Do not be silent in the face of injustice. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” said Christ, “for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Let us not only pray for peace, let us work for it, demand it, and embody it.
We invite churches and religious leaders around the world to join us in this witness of hope, justice, and peace. In these times, faith must not be quiet. We speak, we stand, we act, because indifference is not an option.
We therefore urgently call upon:
- The governments of Iran and Israel to immediately halt all escalatory actions and commit to nonviolent paths of engagement for the sake of their people and regional peace;
- The United Nations, to intensify its diplomatic efforts and use its authority to mediate, monitor, and de-escalate the crisis, while holding all parties accountable to International Law and the protection of civilians; and
- The United States, the European Union, and other global powers with influence in the region to act decisively and responsibly, using all available political and diplomatic channels to prevent further military confrontation;
As a communion that has witnessed the devastating consequences of war in many regions, we remain committed to walking alongside those who suffer and to lifting up the voices of peacebuilders.
