Faith leaders, churches, faith-based charities and other organisations have formed a UK-wide, cross-denominational coalition calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine.
The campaign called Time to Act has been organised by the Just Peace Coalition of churches and charities.
Coalition spokesperson the Revd John Plant explained the initiative was an opportunity to act in solidarity with churches in Palestine and ensure their voices are heard by those with the power to change things: “We are united in our belief that a just peace in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is possible. But until our leaders act, the violence, displacement, detention and fear will carry on. Communities will be decimated, whole families wiped out, along with the possibility of a Palestinian state.
“We are mobilising church communities across the UK to stand with our sisters and brothers and raise their voices in a united call for stronger action to work towards a sustainable and just peace for all those who call the Holy Land home. By adding your name, you are joining a growing movement of people committed to listening, learning, living differently, and taking action for justice, accountability, and peace.”
Church leaders around the UK are supporting the campaign.
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said:
“Time to Act provides us with the opportunity to come together as Christians and to advocate for a just peace in Israel and Palestine - a peace characterised by the active promotion of justice and the nurturing of equitable relationships within and between communities so that everyone can live life in all its fullness. I encourage all Christians to join this campaign and to seek this peace and to pursue it with all the urgency that it requires.”
Charities involved with the Just Peace coalition include All We Can; Amos Trust; CAFOD; Christian Aid; Christians for Palestine; Commitment for Life; EAPPI UK and Ireland; Embrace the Middle East; FaithJustice; Iona Community; Justice and Peace Scotland; Methodist Church; Pax Christi England & Wales; Quakers in Britain; Sabeel-Kairos UK; SCIAF; Undeb Yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg/ the Union of Welsh Independents; United Reformed Church; and Yr Eglwys yng Nghymru/Church in Wales.
The Most Revd Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, Church in Wales said:
“Time to Act is about courageous voices - Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and others - who continue to advocate for justice, reconciliation, and peace. These voices deserve our support, and they demand a response in action from the UK Government and Welsh Government alike. People of goodwill, faith communities, civil society organisations, and citizens everywhere must speak clearly and courageously: enough is enough. The pursuit of justice, peace, and human dignity for all should be our chief driving passion and force.”
Coalition members and supporters are urging the UK Government to:
- Ban trade with and investment in illegal settlements and suspend the UK–Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement until Israel ends its illegal occupation and respects human rights.
- Suspend all arms sales to Israel until it complies with international law.
- Impose sanctions on Israeli ministers and political leaders who are inciting or are responsible for severe human rights violations against Palestinians.
- Co-operate with and support the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to ensure accountability for all parties. Accountability includes prosecuting UK citizens who have committed war crimes abroad.
To find out more about how you and your church can get involved, please go to Just Peace Coalition.
