Uniting Church in Australia affirms solidarity with suffering Palestine

"If we do not speak, even the stones will cry out" In this season of Easter, the Uniting Church affirms solidarity with the suffering people of Palestine

In the season of Easter, as we proclaim the crucified and risen Christ, President Rev Charissa Suli has released a public statement affirming the solidarity of the Uniting Church in Australia with the suffering people of Palestine. Following month of endless bombardment which has cruelly claimed the lives of more than 50,000 Palestinians, the situation in Gaza is now critical and desperate, with all humanitarian and food supplies now exhausted and a needless famine spreading. "As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, I am compelled to speak with moral clarity, compassion, and a heart broken open by the suffering we are witnessing. We cannot remain silent while bodies are crushed by bombs, children starve, and our Palestinian siblings in Christ fear for their very existence. If we do not speak, even the stones will cry out." "Our Christian siblings in Palestine plead: “Why are you indifferent to our suffering? Do not remain silent.” Bound to them in Christ, we answer their call to unwavering solidarity. We stand with them in defending the dignity and presence of Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. As followers of Jesus, we cannot turn away while Palestinians face erasure from their homeland, their stories, their identity." The Assembly has released a resource with Frequently Asked Questions and we encourage this to be read alongside the statement. The President has also prepared a liturgy of Lament for Gaza for local worship. Find the statement, FAQ and worship resource on our website. Read the statement

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WCC news: Palestinian delegation visits WCC with focus on faith, hope, and action

A Palestinian delegation visited the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 18 February to participate in deep dialogues on justice, peace, and the dignity of all people.  Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 19 February 2025 Gathering in deep solidarity and prayer, the delegation was led by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine, and Head of the Jerusalem Council of Churches.  The Patriarch and the delegation met with WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, who reiterated the WCC’s continued calls for a just peace, and for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The delegation and the WCC also discussed why the international community must act decisively in ensuring immediate access to humanitarian aid, including food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. Patriarch Theophilos said, at the meeting, “The work of the World Council of Churches and the fellowship of churches is deeply appreciated in these challenging times. Today the Christian presence faces many challenges.”  He added: “Some of these challenges are the systematic attempts to rid Jerusalem of the historic Christian community by groups of Israeli radicals, some the result of policy initiatives, and some the result of war in Gaza.” “The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches have not ceased to reiterate our calls for a lasting and effective ceasefire, economic support for rebuilding church-run hospitals, schools, and charities, and access for the Heads of the Churches to Gaza.” The Patriarch concluded: “Jerusalem and the Holy Land is a region where Jews, Christians, and Muslims can and should be able to live peacefully side by side. There is room here for all who call the Holy Land their home, and this is the beauty of the Holy City. This multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious city is the religious capital of the world, and the spiritual home of the monotheistic family.” Dr Ramzi Khoury, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and chairman of the High Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, said: "We deeply appreciate your unwavering support for justice for our people during these challenging times. Now, more than ever, the unity of the churches is crucial. It is imperative for us to take a firm stand against the deliberate displacement of the Palestinian people. Today, the voice of the churches is urgently needed to advocate for a return to international law as a means to end wars and achieve justice. “We reject the application of arrogance and force against our people. Accepting this harsh reality poses a threat not only to Palestinians but to all of humanity." Dialogue with the Palestinian delegation also included reaffirming the WCC’s commitment to defending the sanctity of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and all religious sites, ensuring they remain places of worship and refuge, not targets of war. Pillay reaffirmed the WCC’s categorical rejection of any plans for the forced transfer or permanent displacement of Palestinians from their land. Peace cannot be achieved, Pillay said, without addressing the root causes of conflict—the illegal occupation, systemic discrimination, and denial of Palestinian self-determination. The visit centered on praying for strength and courage for all Palestinian Christians, and the WCC’s unwavering support to churches, communities, and people in Palestine.  A premier screening of the documentary "Via Dolorosa: The Path of Sorrows" served as a sign of hope for the Christian presence and witness in the Holy Land. The Palestinian delegation included: His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine, and Head of the Jerusalem Council of Churches H. E. Dr Ramzi Khoury, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman of the High Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, representing the Palestinian President  H.E. Mr Wasef Kilany on behalf of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan H.E. Mrs Amira Hanania, member of Higher Presidential Committee of Churches Affairs & representative to Europe, Member of Palestine National Council of the Palestine Liberation Organization.  Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, president and founder of DarAl-Kalima University Fr Ibrahim Faltas, vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land Photo gallery The film ‘Via Dolorosa: The Path Of Sorrows’ tells Christians in Palestine’s story (WCC feature story, 19 February 2025) Video interview: H.B. Patriarch Theophilos III Video interview: H.E. Amira Hanania on her documentary "Via Dolorosa: The Path of Sorrows" See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

WCC news: In times of struggle, WCC accompanies the journey in the Holy Land

During a time of war, struggle, and pain, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is accompanying the churches and the people in Palestine and Israel on their journey with prayer, action, and hope for a better future. Pillay preached at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives. Photo: Joel Carillet/WCC 18 February 2024 On 18 February, Pillay preached at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives. The sermon, based on the lectionary reading from Matthew 4:1-11, focused on the devil’s tempting of Jesus in the wilderness.  Pillay pointed out that we all struggle at times with understanding and doing God’s will, and related this to the struggle in the Palestine context, especially now in the context of the war in Gaza.  He called on people of faith to surrender like Jesus to the will of the Father and to be assured, even in the context of violence and uncertainty, that they can have security in Christ.  He ended the sermon by asking, “And why is it that we can trust our security in Christ?” In answering this question, he reflected on Roman 8:31, that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” said Pillay. “We can put our hope and trust in God for a better future and a better world with peace and security for all.” He was hosted by Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.  “We are here on a special mission,” said Pillay. “We have come to express our solidarity in what’s happening in Israel and Palestine. Part of our task as Christians is to pray for peace and to work for peace.” Pillay described the task of the WCC as working with people in the local context, and trying to journey with them in their experiences—in essence a Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.   Bishop Azar gifted the WCC general secretary a Lutheran cross as a sign of accompaniment. The church also hosted a breakfast for Pillay and the WCC delegation.  As head of the delegation, the WCC general secretary is being accompanied by Dr Audeh Quawas (WCC central committee member), Marianne Ejdersten (WCC director of Communication) and Yusef Daher (coordinator, WCC Jerusalem Liaison Office). In the afternoon, the delegation also met with Sheikh Azzam Khatib, director of Islamic Waqf, Jewish representatives, the human rights organization Btselem, and the Israeli human rights organization Rabbis for Human Rights. In Holy Land, “light and life have a true and enduring existence” as heads of churches gather with WCC (WCC news release, 18 February 2024) "WCC general secretary visits Holy Land to strengthen call for just peace" (WCC news release, 15 February 2024) Ascension Church at Augusta Victoria in Jerusalem. From left to right: Rev. Meghan Aelabouni (ELCA), Rev Dr. Ibrahim Azar (ELCJHL), Rev Dr. Jerry Pillay (General Secretary, WCC), Rev. Gabi Aelabouni (ELCA), Rev. Fursan Zu'mot (ELCJHL). Photo: Joel Carillet/WCC See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

WCC NEWS: First Palestinian Christian woman ordained in Holy Land

Rev. Sally Azar was ordained on 22 January as the first Palestinian Christian woman to serve in this role in the Holy Land.  Sally Azar leads Bible study in the Ecumenical Centre Chapel during the LWF Council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on 15 June 2019.  Photo: Albin Hillert/Life on Earth 23 January 2023 Azar’s ordination—marking an historic milestone for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and for all Christians in Palestine—was held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Old City Jerusalem.  in a congratulatory letter, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay celebrated her ordination. “We rejoice with the Lutheran Church and with the people of the Middle East and of the Holy Land in particular on this important consecration of your spiritual and ecclesial leadership,” wrote Pillay. “For us you are a daughter, a sister, but also a mentor, a leader contributing to the life and mission of our churches.” Born and raised in Jerusalem, Azar earned a bachelor's degree in theology from the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2019. In 2022 she finished her masters of International Theology from the Georg-August-Universität in Göttingen and Hermannsburg, Germany.  She also served at the Evangelische Johanneskirche Frohnau  in Germany, and is very involved in the international Lutheran community, serving as a council member of the Lutheran World Federation, and on the board of ACT Alliance. The Ordination of Sally Azar: Video recording of the livestream See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

WCC NEWS: WCC acting general secretary meets with Higher Presidential Committee of Church Affairs in Palestine

World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca met with members of the Higher Presidential Committee of Church Affairs in Palestine. 24 November 2022, Ramallah, Palestine: World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca meets with members of the Higher Presidential Committee of Church Affairs in Palestine, including Dr Ramzi Khoury, chair of the committee; presidential committee member Ambassador Issa Kassissieh; Dr Varsin Aghapekian; and director general of the Presidential Committee Ambassador Amira Hanania. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 28 November 2022 Receiving Sauca were Dr Ramzi Khoury, chair of the committee; presidential committee member Ambassador Issa Kassissieh; Dr Varsin Aghapekian; and director general of the Presidential Committee Ambassador Amira Hanania. Khoury offered an overview of the work of the Presidential Committee at both local and international levels in preserving the Christian presence in Palestine, especially in the face of the challenges and obstacles that the Israeli occupation raises. Khoury expressed the value of the role of the World Council of Churches in standing with the Palestinian people, citing statements recently released by the WCC supporting the right of the Palestinian people and the local church leadership to equality, justice, and peace. Khoury emphasized the continuation of joint work, especially inviting church leaders from all over the world to visit Palestine to see up close the suffering Palestinians and Christians in particular are experiencing as a result of Israeli occupation. At the end of the meeting, Khoury, on behalf of the committee, offered sincere thanks and appreciation for the efforts made by Sauca during his time as WCC acting general secretary, honoring Sauca with a shield that bears the phrase: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” WCC meets with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on path to “work for justice and peace” (24 November 2022) In pursuit of just peace: WCC acting general secretary has historic meeting with Israeli president Isaac Herzog (24 November 2022) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland