WASHINGTON – In a new letter released during Holy Week ahead of Easter, more than 140 Bishops and executive leaders from churches, denominations, and church-based organizations in the US and around the world call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, urge the US and other world powers to halt additional arms sales to Israel, and make clear that Israel, the US, and all countries must abide by Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The letters’ signers include a US Catholic Bishop, a Catholic Cardinal, the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, an Anglican Dean, and many other notable figures from a wide range of churches, including Catholic, Lutheran, Mennonite, Quaker, and Evangelical leaders. The Christian leaders write that “the global church—and world—cannot be silent as people continue to die in Gaza by military assault, lack of adequate medical care, hunger, and disease” and warn that “World leaders have responded with empty rhetoric and political volleying about addressing the ‘humanitarian crisis’ in Gaza while ignoring the direct causes of the catastrophe.” They note that the US, UK, Israel, and other countries “must uphold their responsibility as signatories to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.” The signers call for “a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire” and the release of all hostages, and call on the US and other world powers to “halt additional military support and arms to Israel and not be complicit in the ongoing military campaign” that is having a devastating impact on the civilian population of Gaza. The letter was organized by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), a coalition of more than 30 national church communions and organizations working to encourage U.S. policies that actively promote just, lasting, and comprehensive resolutions to conflicts in the Middle East. CMEP has forwarded the critical letter directly to President Biden and his team. “Christian leaders in the US and around the world are imploring our governments to end complicity in the ongoing violence and, instead, do everything in their power to prevent the potential genocide against Palestinians in Gaza,” said Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. “The US decision to abstain from, instead of vetoing, the recent UN Security Council Resolution supporting an immediate ceasefire is a small step but still not sufficient. President Biden and other world leaders must use every tool at their disposal to protect the Palestinian people and ensure that the Israeli government stops blocking their access to life-saving humanitarian aid.”
The full letter and list of signers can be viewed here. CMEP’s cover note to President Biden can be viewed here. | 
