What: A prayer vigil at the U.S. Capitol led by national Christian leaders calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, halting of additional military arms to Israel, and an end to all killings. The speakers are in agreement calling for a bilateral ceasefire, immediate and adequate humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and the release of all hostages. This vigil is the closing ceremony for the Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) 40th Anniversary Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. All are welcome. When: Thursday, April 11, 2024, 4:30 PM EST Where: On the National Mall facing the Capitol Building - the gravel area between Jefferson and Madison and 3rd Street. Rain or shine. Speakers include: Tamar Haddad (CMEP And Still We Rise Coordinator); Rev. Susan Hayward (CMEP Leadership Council); Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hosler (Church of the Brethren); Rev. Tyrone Pitts (Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc.); Shireen Hilal Awwad (Bethlehem Bible College); Rev. Dr. William Young (American Baptists Churches USA); and Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon (CMEP). Quotes from Participating Speakers and Organizations:
* Please note: Authors of quotes speak for themselves and their respective organizations, their views do not necessarily reflect the perspectives of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) or other sponsorship organizations. “We, as global Christian leaders, stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Palestine and around the world and say the killing must stop, and the violence must be brought to an end. We ask world leaders to exercise strong moral courage to bring an immediate end to the violence and to open a pathway toward peace and an end to the conflict. We call for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire where all combatants lay down their weapons and Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners held without the due process of law are released. Immediate and adequate humanitarian assistance must be provided for the more than two million Palestinian people in Gaza who have such desperate needs. We support efforts toward a negotiated settlement that addresses the core causes of the current crisis and brings an end to the decades-long violations of the rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international law, such solutions must advance security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians. As we prepare for Holy Week, we lament and pray for comfort for all who have lost loved ones over the past months in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Israel. We know that Jesus himself was among those who suffered, and he comforted the brokenhearted. We say, “Enough atrocities in Gaza; enough violence, death, and destruction! May love triumph over hate.” We hold onto the hope that peace is possible even in the midst of this darkest hour.” (March 26, 2024, Letter to Call for Permanent Gaza Ceasefire) “It grieves me greatly that Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) this year commemorates our 40th Anniversary and, in many ways, we are further away from peace than ever before. First and foremost, we call and are working for an immediate end to the killing in Gaza and an expedient end to all violence in Palestine and Israel. We call for the release of the hostages and immediate and adequate humanitarian assistance into Gaza. But we do not despair! We hold onto hope and the reality that the future of children in Gaza and Palestine is inextricably linked with the future of Israeli children. We are more committed than ever to work to end all violence, oppression, and injustice and pursue a way forward that will provide for equality, liberation, safety, and security for all people living in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. We will continue in our advocacy and efforts so that the occupation and all violations of human rights against Palestinians will be brought to an end. After 40 years, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) still believes peace is possible and justice will prevail.” ~ Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) |
