Since the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas militants on 7 October 2023, and the devastating military retaliation by Israel in Gaza, the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has sought to respond to a worsening conflict situation with a commitment to justice and peace.

We have spoken out on the unfolding humanitarian crisis, international law, the release of hostages, our rejection of anti-semitism and racism, and the urgent need for a just and lasting peace for all in Palestine and Israel. These actions are grounded in our Christian faith and in our commitments to justice, human rights and human dignity. They build on long-standing official positions on Palestine and Israel going back to 2008.

This page is a record of our discernment and public witness, bringing together the Assembly’s public statements, resolutions and articles concerning Palestine and Israel. It is a central and transparent resource for Uniting Church members, partners, media and members of the public who wish to understand our position and our advocacy.

As the Uniting Church in Australia, we call for:

• An immediate ceasefire and the uninhibited flow of humanitarian aid.
• An end to the occupation of Palestine, and the lifting of the unlawful blockade on Gaza.
• The immediate release of all Israeli hostages, and all Palestinians held without charge or trial.
• Accountability, including sanctions, where international law is violated.
• The protection and affirmation of Palestinian rights and freedoms.
• Justice through the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice.
• An end to any remaining weapons exports to Israel and greater transparency over Australia’s weapon exports.
• A renewed international commitment to a just and lasting peace.

Key statements and articles

Authoritative resolutions and public statements on the position of the Uniting Church, guiding advocacy at the current time.

• Jews and Judaism: a statement by the UCA (2009)
• Assembly Statement on Palestine (2015)
• Assembly Statement on Palestine and Israel (2008)

All statements and articles

All decisions, public statements, articles, calls for prayer, events and resources we have released as the Uniting Church's response to and position on the conflict has evolved since October 2023.

Take Action

The Assembly has made some resources available to help Uniting Church communities take practical action on Palestine and engage with the World Council of Churches statement - now adopted by the Uniting Church Assembly.

You can download artwork to print and display a banner, use a template letter to write to the Government, read our FAQ as a resource for engaging with others, use the President's Liturgy of Lament for Gaza in your worship, donate to UnitingWorld's Gaza appeal, or take part in a creative video action during the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel.