WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Methodist bishops, individually and collectively, have condemned the ongoing violence in the Middle East and called for prayer and action.
In a statement released Oct. 9, Council President Thomas J. Bickerton urged all United Methodists to renew a deepened commitment to pray for those who have been injured, abducted, or killed, and to deepen our prayers for those who have suddenly lost a loved one.
“As a people who pray for and work toward peace, we in the United Methodist family are appalled, and dismayed by the animosities and inhumane actions undertaken by Hamas. The declaration of war on the part of Israel as a result is also deeply saddening,” the COB statement said.
Bishop Bickerton reminded the UMC about the Book of Resolutions (2016) which states clearly that, “We seek for all people in the Middle East region an end to military occupation, freedom from violence, and full respect for the human rights of all under international law.”
Quoting the Prophet Isaiah, Bishop Bickerton remained hopeful to the future of peace and love for all of God’s children.
Click here to read the full statement from the COB.
In addition, some individual bishops sent messages to their conferences about the conflict.
Bishop John Schol sent a message to the United Methodists in the Greater New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania conferences:
"In the shadows of grief and concern, I reach out to you today regarding the deeply distressing events unfolding in the Middle East. The devastating acts of war by Hamas against Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives and the taking of individuals as hostages, are heartbreaking and incomprehensible. Such acts of violence and brutality have historically intensified animosities rather than fostering resolution, and we must resoundingly condemn these actions.
"What can you do? I humbly call all of us, and invite our pastors to call congregations, to the following responses:
- Pray – Pray for the hostages, for those who have suffered losses, and for peace in the Middle East. Pray for leaders that they will make good, right and just decisions that value and protect life.
- Empathize - Reach out to those impacted by the war. It may be family, friends, colleagues, or others from the Middle East. Share your concerns and listen.
- Learn - Talk with people from the Middle East or read to better understand.
- Be sensitive - Aggression and war affect people differently, especially those who have been to war or combat zones. Listen, pray as needed, assist the individual to receive additional help.
"While this is an ancient conflict dating back to Abraham, we must never give in or give up on hope. Jesus has always shown through prayer and working together that God does bring peace.
"In this daunting challenge, let our faith be the beacon that guides us and our congregations to embody Christ's message of love, hope, and peace."
Bishop Dan Schwerin of Northern Illinois Conference added a prayer to its news report.
God in your mercy, be with those who suffer this day. For those who grieve, those who are displaced, those who fear for loved ones, grant comfort. We pray for a peaceful resolution to conflicts. Hold all those who are affected in your care. In Christ, Amen.
Methodist Liaison
The Rev. Jane Eesley, a clergy member of the North Illinois Conference, serves as coordinator for the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem. (Photo Courtesy of Northern Illinois Conference)
Northern Illinois also relayed a message from the Rev. Jane Eesley, a Northern Illinois Conference clergy member, who is Methodist Liaison advocacy coordinator with the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem. The organization has released a call to prayer after the attacks in the region:
We are witnesses to the escalation of violence in the region and we call on the global methodist people to continue to pray for peace and for an end to the violence.
Pray for those who have lost family members and livelihoods, for the injured, for those who perpetuate violence, for world leaders that they may work for peace, for the churches, and for all religious leaders and for those who work for peace in the region.
The situation is complicated, and we recognize the fear and sense of injustice that are felt, but we call on both sides not to resort to further violence and to engage in negotiation to establish a peaceful solution for all who live in the Holy Land.
The Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem is operated jointly by the World Methodist Council, the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, and the Methodist Church in Britain.
Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai sent a message to Iowa Conference United Methodists:
It is with great sadness that we witness the turmoil happening in Israel with the recent terrorist attack by Hamas, the taking of hostages, and the terrible loss of life. This attack on civilians and the taking of the elderly and children as hostages is unconscionable. Such violence can only lead to further tragedy for the whole region and the world. We must work for peace and pray without ceasing.
Please join me in praying for a safe return of hostages and for a quick end to this conflict. Pray for Israeli families who have lost loved ones or have loved ones who are missing. And pray for those from other nations, including our own, who have family members or friends who have been killed or taken hostage. As well, hold in prayer the Palestinian civilians, not involved in this act but caught up in the crossfire.
The 23rd Psalm reminds us that even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us. May God be with the people of Israel as they mourn their dead, seek to protect themselves, and work to heal the horrible shattering of their national life. And, may God be with us all as we work and pray for peace.
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, news outlets report that a humanitarian crisis is developing in Gaza. As of Oct. 12, the Washington Post reported, "food, water, medicine and fuel are running out in the blockaded Palestinian territory. Israeli strikes have killed at least 1,350 people since Saturday’s attack by Hamas. ... The death toll from Hamas’s attack is at least 1,300, and bodies are still being found. Israel has massed troops near Gaza ahead of an expected ground assault."
In addition to annual conference releases, information from a Council of Bishops' press release by the Rev. Maidstone Mulenga was used in this report.