We are praying that the ongoing violence between Hamas and the government of Israel might come to an end. This Christian service is being held in solidarity with Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem and throughout the Middle East who are calling for a ceasefire and an end to all violence. Christians throughout the Middle East have canceled Christmas celebrations to stand in solidarity with their neighbors suffering in Gaza.
What: A Christmas service and vigil led by national Christian leaders calling for a ceasefire and an end to all violence between Israel and Hamas. The cosponsors agree and condemn all violence against civilians, including the Hamas attacks on October 7th and the mass casualties resulting from the Israeli military bombing campaigns on Gaza. The speakers and sponsoring organizations are in agreement with our calls to action for a bilateral ceasefire, immediate and adequate humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and the release of hostages, while also addressing underlying and core issues of the ongoing violence. All are welcome. When: Monday, December 11, 2023, 6:00 PM EST, there will be an optional prayer walk to the National Christmas Tree following the service.
Where: The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 Sponsoring Organizations: American Baptist Churches USA, American Friends of the Bethlehem Development Foundation (AFBDF), American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Christians for Social Action, Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding, Church World Service, Determinetruth, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Franciscan Action Network, Freedom Road, Friends Committee National Legislation (FCNL), Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), Global Immersion, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Maryknoll, National Council of Churches (NCC), Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East, Pax Christi USA, Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace (PCAP), Presbyterian Church (USA), Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc., Red Letter Christians, Sojourners, Telos, The Voices Project, United Methodist Church — General Board of Church and Society. Speakers: Rev. Sarah Johnson, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church Tamar Haddad, CMEP Dr. Eli McCarthy, Franciscan Action Network David Katibah, Telos Kathryn Habib Johnny Zokovitch, Pax Christi USA Rev. Dr. Tyronne Pitts, Progressive National Baptist Convention Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, Sojourners Katherine Metres Akbar, Alliance of Baptists Rev. Mark Thompson, “Make it Plain” Podcast Jonathan Kuttab, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) Rev. William Young IV, Covenant Baptist UCC Chanters: Amjad Khalil, Sts. Peter and Paul Antiochian Church and Fr. John al-Massieh, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Quotes from Sponsoring Denominations and Organizations: We grieve and stand in solidarity with Christians in Bethlehem and the Middle East who will worship Jesus but not have Christmas celebrations this year. We remain steadfast in our call for a comprehensive ceasefire and an end to all violence. We call on the Biden Administration and our elected officials to demand that the war on Gaza and the bombing that has an indiscriminate effect on so many civilians and children be brought to an immediate end. We call for the release of all hostages and immediate and adequate humanitarian assistance into Gaza. There has been more than enough suffering and tragedy for Palestinians and for Israelis. Now nonviolent solutions must be pursued as the only way forward to determine peace, security, equality, and human rights for all people in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. ~ Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) As Franciscans, we feel deeply the suffering of the peoples of the Holy Land. We call on President Biden, Senators, and all elected leaders to see the full humanity of Palestinians as well as Israelis and to use the influence of the United States to bring about an immediate ceasefire and negotiations for a just peace. ~ Michelle Dunne, Executive Director, Franciscan Action Network (FAN) The tragedy unfolding in Gaza is more than a humanitarian disaster. It is testimony to the utter failure of the international community to protect the vulnerable during times of war. As followers of Jesus, we speak out for those whose voices are silenced. - Bruce Fisk, Senior Research Fellow, Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem have been canceled out of respect for the civilians of Gaza, who are currently under siege. We all join with religious leaders of all faiths, but particularly Christian leaders during this Holy Month, in praying for peace and protection for the civilians of Gaza during this tragic time and for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world. ~ George Salem, Chairman of the American Friends of the Bethlehem Development Foundation We are witnessing what happens when we reach for power rather than the hands of one another. In solidarity with those who are suffering, we join a growing chorus of peacemakers, pastors, and politicians calling for a comprehensive end to this immediate and long-standing horror. ~ Jer Swigert, Global Immersion Project The members of Pax Christi USA, the Catholic peace movement, and our colleagues around the world are praying and taking action for a just peace to take hold in the Holy Land. A permanent ceasefire that respects human rights is just the beginning. For many years we have heard and witnessed the oppression that our friends in the Occupied Territories have endured; we have supported their nonviolent solutions to their struggles. We want them and all people committed to peace in the area -- Palestinians and Israelis -- to know that we are with them. - Johnny Zokovitch, Executive Director, Pax Christi USA Christians for Social Action stands with Churches for Middle East Peace and other faith communities in a call for a permanent ceasefire. As Christians, we are compelled by God's love to respond in places where violence is affecting the most vulnerable. We pray to God, and we ask our country's leaders to call for an end to the violence. - Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Executive Director, Christians for Social Action (CSA) Praying for a cease-fire and a just peace is precisely what Jesus calls us to, and it's the most loving thing for both Israelis and Palestinians. ~ Rob Dalrymple, DetermineTrut * 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. | 
