Resources for the Crisis in the Holy Land – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org)
June 5, 2024
Dear church,
For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, “How long, O Lord?” (Isaiah 6:11).
At times a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis doesn’t seem possible, yet as Christians we believe that it is. The psalmist assures us that God “makes wars cease to the end of the earth” (Psalm 46:9). At times it seems that there is nothing we can do, yet through baptism God calls us to be peacemakers. We live out this calling in many ways, including through prayer, advocacy and accompaniment.
As a church, we continue to:
We will continue to
As Christ taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Let us continue to hope and to live our faith.
In peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, ELCA
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