Bishop Imad Haddad pictured with family, friends and members of the Lutheran community on 11 January 2026, the day of his consecration in Jerusalem’s Church of the Redeemer. Photo: ELCJHL/Studio Sami
LWF General Secretary Burghardt writes letter of solidarity to Bishop Haddad amid escalation of conflict in Middle East
(LWI) - “We stand in solidarity with you, your congregations, pastors, schools, and all the communities you serve in Jordan and the Holy Land.” In a pastoral letter sent to Bishop Dr Imad Haddad, the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt reaffirms the solidarity of the global communion of churches with Palestinians suffering from the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
“In these days of deepening conflict, violence and war,” she writes to the leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), “we are concerned that this escalation worsens the already terrible situation for your church and the Palestinian people who have already suffered untold pain in Gaza and under the ongoing occupation.”
As part of the global family of Lutheran churches, Burghardt says, “know that you are not alone. Your suffering is our suffering; your prayers are our prayers.” The LWF leader reaffirms the “unwavering commitment” of the LWF, saying that member churches “continue to pray for your safety and protection, for the resilience of your ministries, for comfort for those who mourn, for wisdom and courage for your leadership and for shelter and peace for all who seek refuge.”
Your witness to justice, reconciliation and steadfast faith in the land where our Lord walked is a gift to the whole communion.
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt
During this Lenten season, she reflects on the gospel message that “God is not distant from those who suffer.” Amid destruction and despair, she says, “even when the cross stands stark before us, the hope of resurrection is already at work.”
Pledging to accompany the church in these uncertain times, she says: “Your witness to justice, reconciliation and steadfast faith in the land where our Lord walked is a gift to the whole communion.” Burghardt concludes: “We will continue to remind our global communion and the international community of the injustices that you experience, the daily challenges you encounter and your cry for dignity, justice and peace.”
Bishop Haddad was consecrated as leader of the ELCJHL on 11 January this year, after serving as a pastor to congregations in Beit Sahour, in Ramallah and in Amman, Jordan.
