Public Statements at 2025 Council

The LWF Council reaffirms LWF’s historic commitment to a two-state solution that ensures justice, dignity, and peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.

The Council “condemns the Israeli blockade of Gaza and systematic denial of humanitarian assistance” as a gross violation of International Humanitarian Law. It especially denounces the deliberate targeting of people seeking aid, as well as schools and hospitals.

Beyond Gaza, it highlights the worsening situation across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where Palestinians face increasing settler violence, home demolitions, land confiscation, and restrictions on movement. 

In response, the Council calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access, the release of all hostages and prisoners held without charge, and the end of the Israeli occupation. It affirms the importance of protecting the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The Council stands in solidarity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, an LWF member church, and commends the work of LWF World Service in Jerusalem, especially through the Augusta Victoria Hospital.

The LWF Council affirms its conviction that peace cannot come through military might or violence; justice is the only path to lasting peace.

The LWF Council gives thanks for the witness of its African member churches, recognizing their role during a time of deep and overlapping crises. Across the continent, communities face conflict, economic hardship, displacement, and severe climate-related emergencies. Women and girls are often disproportionally affected.

The Council acknowledges the ongoing impact of colonialism, unjust global economic systems, and recent reductions in international aid, which further compound the difficulties many African nations face. Despite these hardships, churches across Africa continue to lead with courage—promoting peace, delivering healthcare and education, and offering spiritual strength. Their work reflects a holistic commitment to the Gospel and to serving the most vulnerable.

Particularly commended is the life-saving humanitarian work of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus and the efforts of LWF World Service country programs across Africa, which provide essential services such as education, shelter, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. These collaborative responses with local churches are powerful witnesses of hope.