A statement from the President for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel

STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA

REV CHARISSA SULI

WORLD WEEK FOR PEACE IN PALESTINE AND ISRAEL 2024

As we gather to observe this World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, we are called to reflect on this year’s theme: “Whatever you did…you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). This powerful reminder of our shared humanity urges us to stand in solidarity with those suffering on all sides of the conflict in the Holy Land. It is time for deep prayer, reflection, and a renewed commitment to peace.

The Uniting Church in Australia continues to grieve the absence of peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. Since October 2023, more than 1,100 Israelis and more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed. More than 16,000 of these have been children. Many thousands more have been injured in both Israel and Palestine. 

The Gaza Strip is the site of a humanitarian catastrophe, where we have witnessed human rights violations and immense suffering. The civilians of Gaza endure daily bombings, a lack of safe shelter, injury, illness and starvation. Almost two million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes.

We have also heard the cry of the church in Palestine, our precious siblings in Christ, a minority community which has embodied the theme for this World Week for Peace, sheltering displaced people, speaking out prophetically and witnessing to Christ’s love in the lands of Jesus’ own birth.

The people of Israel continue to mourn their losses in this war which have been a source of deep grief for Jewish people. Israelis continue to be held in hostage situations. Jewish communities across the world face rising antisemitism which the Uniting Church rejects completely.

Out of our longstanding commitments to justice, peace, and reconciliation, we have consistently expressed our deep concern about this ongoing conflict which is a grave wound in the heart of God. We have called for the protection of human rights and international law, an end to illegal occupation, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

We have urged the Australian government and international community to engage in meaningful dialogue towards a permanent ceasefire and actions to uphold the safety and dignity of all people in Israel and Palestine. We have called upon our government to support the International Court of Justice in its measures to prevent genocide and to end weapons exports to Israel.

In our faith tradition, we believe that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice. Justice and reconciliation are the foundations upon which a peaceful future can be built.

This week, Christians around the world will join us in prayer and advocacy for peace in the Holy Land. Together, we stand with those who mourn the loss of loved ones, those who have been displaced from their homes and those whose lives are marked by fear and uncertainty.

As Christians, we are called to walk alongside those who suffer, offering hope and working for a future that reflects the kingdom of God—a future where all people can live in dignity, security, and peace. Our prayers, solidarity and advocacy are with all those caught in this cycle of violence.

In March, the Assembly Standing Committee called upon members of the Uniting Church to pray for, listen to, and promote the voices of those who are suffering, to participate in events and actions in support of a just peace, and to consider donating where possible. Your community might like to explore one of these in support of this Week.

As we pray for peace, we do so not as passive observers but as active participants in God’s work of reconciliation. We believe that peace can only come through justice. We commit ourselves once again to advocating for a just and lasting resolution to this conflict.

Rev Charissa Suli

President of the Uniting Church in Australia

The annual World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel is led by the World Council of Churches and runs from 16-22 September 2024

A Prayer from the President

Gracious and loving God, 
You are the source of all peace, justice, and reconciliation. 
We lift before you the people of Palestine and Israel,
whose lives are torn apart by conflict and division. 

For those who mourn the loss of loved ones,
for those who live in fear,
and for those who long for freedom,
we ask for your comfort and healing.

May your spirit of peace rest upon the children who cry out in fear,
the families displaced from their homes,
and the communities struggling under the weight of violence.

Guide the hands and hearts of leaders to seek justice and mercy.
Open the eyes of the world to the suffering in the Holy Land,
so that we may respond with compassion and action.

Lord, we pray for an end to violence,
an end to oppression,
and an end to the cycles of revenge and hatred.
In your mercy, soften the hearts of those in power,
that they may seek paths of reconciliation and hope.
May your kingdom come, and your will be done,
in this land and across the world.

Help us, your church, to be instruments of your peace.
Strengthen our resolve to work tirelessly for justice
and to speak out for those whose voices are silenced.
In all things, may we remember that what we do for the least of these,
we do for you.

In Christ’s name, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.

Further Resources

Download the Statement and Prayer as a PDF

Public Statement from the National Council of Churches in Australia for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel 2024

Official resources for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel 2024 (World Council of Churches)

Uniting Church Assembly Standing Committee resolution and all Assembly Statements on the Holy Land

Donations

Act For Peace Gaza Emergency Appeal

Palestinian Christians in Australia Accommodation Drive