Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - December 14th, 2024

925-766-9050

CMEP Affirms the Christmas Statement Made by Jerusalem Patriarchs

14th Dec. 2024 Washington D.C.- As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the arrival of the Prince of Peace, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) affirms the call of the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem to commemorate the Advent and Christmas seasons with visible signs of Christian hope while being sensitive to the ongoing suffering of millions in the region by upholding them in our prayers and encouraging acts of kindness and charity. During this Christmas season and beyond, CMEP remains committed to lifting up the people of the Holy Land in our prayers and working tirelessly for peace and justice in this sacred and troubled region. You can read the full statement by the Jerusalem Patriarchs and Heads of Churches below.

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Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of more than 30 national church communions and organizations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions that works to encourage US policies that actively promote a comprehensive resolution to conflicts in the Middle East with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. CMEP works to mobilize US Christians to embrace a holistic perspective and to be advocates of equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.

Recent CMEP Statements and Press Releases:

Dec 12, 2024 CMEP Statement about the Latest Developments in Syria
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) acknowledges the immense pain and suffering endured by the Syrian people under decades of rule by the Assad regimes, and of the past 14 years of war in the country. The devastating impacts of this prolonged conflict have left millions displaced, communities fractured, and hopes for peace and dignity unrealized. Thus, this moment presents an opportunity for a new beginning and a future in which all Syrians can live free from oppression with their dignity and freedom respected. CMEP opposes armed militancy as a mechanism of asserting power over the general populace and calls on the United States government to support a Syrian-led transition to an inclusive state, where the rights and protections of all individuals and communities are upheld.

Dec 9, 2024 International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
On December 9, 2024, CMEP and 22 other humanitarian organizations marked the anniversary of the Genocide Convention by urging decisive global action to address the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. Despite the treaty’s commitment to uphold “never again” and a 2023 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling affirming the obligation to prevent genocide, the international community has failed to act meaningfully. The joint statement called for accountability, protection of civilians, and an end to violence, warning that inaction enables crimes to persist. As the signers emphasized, “History has shown that failing to act in the face of atrocity allows the unthinkable to become reality.” This day serves as a solemn reminder that words must be matched by action to uphold the principles of justice and human dignity.

Nov 27, 2024 Churches for Middle East Peace Welcomes News of a Ceasefire Between Hezbollah and Israel
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes the news of a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel. We commend the cessation of hostilities and urge all parties to adhere strictly to the terms of the ceasefire. It is essential that this moment of respite leads to a sustained peace for all of the people of the region. We emphasize the urgent need for all parties to refrain from hostilities impacting civilians, particularly as families begin to return to their homes in both South Lebanon and Northern Israel. The safety and dignity of these individuals must remain a top priority.

Nov 20, 2024 CMEP Sponsors Take a Stand for the Holy Land Campaign
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is co-sponsoring the Take a Stand for the Holy Land Campaign alongside the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace (PCAP) and Friends of Sabeel North America. This campaign was created to call attention to Israel’s confiscation of Christian and Muslim property and escalation of violence against Palestinians. The campaign is also endorsed by sixteen organizations, including groups from nine major US denominations as per the latest press release. Take a Stand for the Holy Land aims to increase awareness among American Christians on the land left and persecution facing the Palestinian Christian community.

See all of our public statements and press releases.