United Methodist Leaders Condemn Middle East War

by

June 25, 2025

United Methodist leaders condemned the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran, including in one case criticizing President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities June 21 without congressional approval required by the U.S. Constitution.

The Council of Bishops posted a statement June 24, A Call for Peace in the Midst of Conflict in Mideast.

“As Bishops of The United Methodist Church, we stand united in our pursuit of peace and our commitment to the sacredness of human life, guided by the Scriptures and our Social Principles. The scriptures and the Social Principles affirm the sacred worth and dignity of every person, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and promoting justice, equality, and compassion.

“In light of the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, we echo the timeless wisdom of the prophet Micah, who implored us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). Our Social Principles remind us that “war is incompatible with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ” (§ 166.A), and we urge all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue over violence and aggression.

“The Bible reminds us that “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). We are called to be peacemakers, seeking solutions that promote understanding and reconciliation. A continued conflict in the Middle East would have devastating consequences, causing irreparable harm to innocent lives and destabilizing the region and affecting communities throughout the world.

“In this critical moment, we call on all United Methodists to join our efforts in advocating for peace. May God guide us toward a hopeful future, where nations and peoples can live in harmony and mutual respect. Together, let’s join in this prayer:

God of justice and compassion,

we lift our voices in prayer for peace in the Middle East,

that all hearts may turn from violence to understanding and from fear to hope.

Guide your leaders with wisdom and courage to pursue the path of peace,

rooted in the dignity and sacred worth of every person.

May our prayers rise as a witness to your hope and healing for all nations.

Mountain Sky Area Bishop Kristin Stoneking went a step farther, issuing a sharp denunciation of the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.

“No matter where you are on the spectrum of justifiable uses of force, the use of force on June 21 by US President Trump against Iran was illegal, immoral, and unwise. Violence leads to more violence, and the way of peace is not found through bombs," she wrote.

"As United Methodists, our first general rule is to do no harm. The bombing of Iran also goes against our Social Principles, which state, 'The church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes. We yearn for the day when there will be no more war and people will live together in peace and justice.'

“… This is not a time to turn away. Though nuclear weapons are of grave concern, let us not forget that it was then-President Trump who removed the United States in 2018 from the hard-won agreement with Iran and the international community for oversight of Iran’s weapons program and capacity. This abandoned agreement had utilized diplomacy and collaboration with allies which have been proven pathways to peace. The trust and credibility of the United States as a just and trustworthy nation is now waning.

“I entreat all Christians to examine conscience in the wake of these attacks. Does this represent a faithful engagement with the challenges we face? The work of peace is constant, painstakingly building relationship toward co-existence in a complex world. We all must be willing to do the work if we hope to survive as a species.”

The General Board of Church and Society posted an “action alert” June 20, before the US strikes on Iran, calling United Methodists to support the “No War with Iran Resolution” introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The resolution seeks to prohibit U.S. military involvement in Iran and assert congressional authority over war as specified in the U.S. Constitution.

“This latest escalation is happening in the context of a year and a half of Israeli bombing of Gaza as well as Israeli attacks on Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria,” said the post. “War is never in the interests of anyone around the world.”

Other people of faith, especially Jews, supported Israeli and American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities while still deploring the need for war.

Mark Silk, who writes the "Spiritual Politics" column for Religion News Service, wrote in an article titled "Was It Moral to Bomb Iran?" on June 25:

"Whether the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities by the Israelis and the Americans was necessary or at least sufficiently warranted is a question that is impossible to resolve now. We will doubtless be debating it for a long time. In doing so, we should take seriously the Israelis’ deeply held and empirically sound claim that the Iranian regime’s longstanding pledge to wipe Israel off the map was not mere rhetoric.

"Wherever we come down, it’s also worth bearing in mind that, as the Greek fathers taught, it is possible to consider a war necessary and at the same time repent for engaging in it."

Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011 as a media channel to amplify news and views for, about and by marginalized and under-served United Methodists.