World Council of Churches general secretary The Rev’d Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep alarm and grief over the deadly attack on Gaza carried out by Israeli forces on 17-18 March, killing more than 330 people: “We unequivocally condemn this unnecessary re-escalation of violence, which has led to more deaths and further suffering for innocent civilians, including women and children,” Pillay said
In the lead up to Ramadan, Palm Sunday and Holy Fire Saturday, the World Council of Churches shares this video detailing violations of freedom of worship and the urgent need to safeguard the city as a shared sacred space: “The fact that Jews can worship freely in Jerusalem is a good thing, but why can’t Christians and Muslims be allowed to exercise the same right?”
World Council of Churches general secretary The Rev’d Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay celebrated with families to whom loved ones have been restored in an initial exchanges of hostages and prisoners in Gaza: “We pray that all the remaining hostages and all those unjustly detained will soon be released,” he said
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen. Almighty God, You are the source of justice and peace, the protector of the vulnerable, and the hope of all who trust in You. As we gather tonight, we come with hearts filled with purpose, seeking to honour the dignity of every life and to act as instruments of Your justice. In Gaza, Palestinian families are enduring suffering beyond words. Children are left orphaned, the sick lack healthcare, and countless lives are being displaced by the bombing. May Your mercy be their refuge, Your justice their shield, and Your peace their hope. Strengthen those who suffer and guide those who work tirelessly to provide relief and restore dignity. Lord Jesus Christ, You showed us how to serve with courage and compassion. You stood with the oppressed, brought healing to the broken, and proclaimed truth even in the face of persecution. Teach us to follow in Your footsteps, to speak truth boldly, no matter the cost, and to labour with love for justice and peace in Palestine and Lebanon. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and always and forever and ever. Amen,” prays Christian Palestinian Imad
In the midst of the devastating war sweeping Lebanon, killing and displacing its people, the Women’s Pastoral Office of the Maronite Church in Bkerki, Lebanon has launched a cry and issued a statement entitled “Stop the Madness of War, Lebanon deserves to live!” Abboud Mzawak, coordinator of the office, took time to reflect on the motivation behind the statement, some of the daily realities women are facing, and how women across the world can help
“I sought God’s blessing and dealt with the ‘What if?’ scenarios through prayer. I knew that I needed to accept that death was very possible in Gaza. I wrote my will, cleaned my rented unit and gave a friend my car keys before I left — just in case. Because I wasn’t scared of death, I think I was more effective and focussed on my work in Gaza,” says British-Australian emergency medicine physician Mohammed Mustafa
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