The Council’s Commission on Justice and Peace deplores the violence and cycle of reprisals in Palestine and Israel that is leading to thousands of lives lost and even more death, suffering, and trauma to come.
We call on Christian communities across Canada to be salt and light in a way that opens up space to stand for peace with justice for all.
- Advocate for human rights and a robust and urgent humanitarian response,
- Choose to walk in prayerful solidarity with the people of Gaza, the Israeli hostages, and all victims of unjust violence. Consider the invitation from Canadian Churches for a Just Peace, the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage coordinated by KAIROS.
- Examine and study the resources of the Council’s peace research institute, Project Ploughshares,
- Donate to a reputable humanitarian charity that is responding to the crisis, such as ACT Canada members, Mennonite Central Committee, and Development and Peace – Caritas Canada,
- Speak up and stand against discrimination based on religious identity wherever it appears,
- Join with other religious communities in interfaith and multifaith dialogue that listens to one another’s experiences, acknowledges one another’s hopes and traumas, and steps boldly toward a lasting peace with justice.
We, the Executive Committee of the Commission, make this call with the support of all the members of the Commission on Justice and Peace.
Donna Geernaert (Chair)
Estee Lau (Vice Chair), The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda
Ryan Weston (Vice Chair), Anglican Church of Canada
Allyson Carr (Vice Chair), The Presbyterian Church in Canada