For over a year, we have witnessed the tragic escalation of a severe humanitarian crisis affecting countless lives in the Middle East. As people of faith, we have a vitall role in advocating for peace, condemning atrocities, and supporting those who suffer. With the international community’s response proving inadequate, it is essential for religious leaders and communities to speak up and not remain silent.
Pax Christi International, CIDSE, and members of ACT Alliance EU have united to draft a letter calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, an end to the occupation and violence in the West Bank, and the protection of Holy sites in Jerusalem.
With the support of Church leaders and communities across Europe, this letter seeks to lay the groundwork for meaningful advocacy efforts targeting European policymakers.
It is not too late to sign the letter through this form and share it with other faith leaders and communities. The form will be open until 9 December to collect additional signatures.
Read the full statement and names of signatories below.
Several language versions are available in PDF:
For more details, please contact:
- Giulia Bordin, Advocacy Officer, Pax Christi International (g.bordin@paxchristi.net)
- Dorien Vanden Boer, Policy Officer, CIDSE (vandenboer@cidse.org)
Take this opportunity to make a stand for Just Peace.
October 2024
Over the past year, we have witnessed the tragic escalation of a severe humanitarian crisis that continues to affect countless lives. On 7 October 2023, over a thousand Israelis were killed in an attack by Hamas-led factions, and more than 250 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 42,000 people losing their lives in Gaza. Both communities are enduring profound suffering, and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is worsening, with famine and disease leading to further loss of life. In the West Bank illegal settlements continue to expand and settler violence has dramatically increased since October 7th, creating a coercive environment that makes life impossible for Palestinian communities and forces them to leave their homes.
In January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that there are plausible grounds to believe that Israel may be violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza. Meanwhile, the situation across the Middle East is rapidly escalating, with ongoing breaches of international law in Lebanon steadily building up towards a wider regional war. These tensions have deep roots, stemming from a conflict that began over a century ago. There is thus an urgent need for a just and lasting peace that addresses the situation in its complexity, while ensuring the needs and rights of all affected parties are respected.
As religious leaders and communities of faith, we have a vital role in preventing atrocities and advocating for sustainable peace in the Holy Land. Furthermore, it is our moral responsibility to advocate for those suffering and to condemn atrocities. We can establish a path toward lasting peace by combining grassroots efforts with international community negotiations.
Call to Action:
- Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
We urgently call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to halt the ongoing violence, which continues to claim innocent lives of Palestinians, Israelis and Lebanese civilians. A ceasefire is essential to facilitate the unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where the situation is beyond dire. Ensuring that humanitarian organisations can reach those in need without obstruction is critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis, respecting international humanitarian principles, and valuing human life.
- Hostage Release and Protection of Civilians
We also call for the immediate release of all hostages as well as unlawful detainees, under the protection of international law. A ceasefire will create the necessary conditions for diplomatic efforts aimed at securing their release and ensuring that civilians are protected from further harm. Independent, neutral investigations into human rights violations and robust civilian protections are essential for building trust and preventing further escalation.
- Addressing Root Causes of Violence
Beyond the immediate crisis, we must address the underlying causes of this ongoing suffering. The Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory must end. Barriers to movement and access to essential services must be removed to allow people to meet their basic needs and rebuild their lives. The ongoing violence, including land seizures and rising fear, must be halted and met with neutral investigations and measures to ensure civilian safety. Human rights and the right to self-determination must be respected and put at the centre of any political solution.
- Respecting the Status Quo on Jerusalem’s Holy Sites
We also advocate for secure access to the Holy Sites everywhere in the occupied Palestinian territory and respect for the right to worship. The unique status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the sanctity of its sacred spaces, and the sustainability of all its communities must be safeguarded and respected by everyone.
- Government Action and International Law
We urge our governments to take decisive action in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Diplomatic efforts must focus on de-escalating the conflict, supporting affected communities, and ensuring that all parties respect the rules of war. Legal mechanisms like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) play a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable and preventing future atrocities.
- Reopen Dialogue for Lasting Peace
Reopening dialogue for a lasting peace agreement is vital. Only through sustained negotiations and a commitment to justice and accountability can we hope to address the root causes of this perpetual violence and build a future where everyone’s rights are respected. In order for any peace process to be meaningful and inclusive, civil society organisations and faith communities will need to play a central role.
A Lasting Solution:
The efforts outlined above can address both the root causes and the immediate emergencies of this ongoing conflict. Implementing these measures will facilitate dialogue between the parties, bringing an end to violence and achieving lasting peace in the Holy Land, where everyone’s human rights are respected.
As faith leaders and representatives of faith communities, we believe in the power of hope and action. By standing together and advocating for justice and compassion, we can contribute to a future where peace prevails, and the dignity of every person is upheld.
Guided by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,’ we are compelled by our faith to speak out and act in the face of suffering and injustice. We urge you to reflect these values in your decisions and actions, promoting peace, upholding human dignity, and working tirelessly for a just resolution to this conflict. Together, we can be instruments of peace, committed to healing and reconciliation for all.
Signatures:
H.E. Michel Sabbah, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and former President of Pax Christi International
Most Rev. Antje Jackelén, Archbishop emerita, Church of Sweden
H.E. Antoine Hérouard, Archbishop of Dijon, France and Co-President of Justice & Peace Europe
H.E. Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dubin, Ireland
H.E. Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples, Italy
H.E. Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference, Ireland
H.E. Francesco Neri, Archbishop of Otranto, Italy
H.E. François Fonlupt, Archbishop of Avignon in charge of diacony and solicarity within the French Conference of Bishops, France
H.E. Gherardo Gambelli, Archbishop of Florence, Italy
H.E. Gian Carlo Perego, Archbishop of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy
H.E. Giovanni Intini, Archbishop of Brindisi-Ostuni, Italy
H.E. Giovanni Ricchiuti, Archbishop-Bishop Em. of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva d. Fonti and President of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
H.E. Giuseppe Satriano, Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto, Italy
H.E. Malcolm McMahon, Archbishop of Liverpool and President of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
H.E. Marco Tasca, Archbishop of Genova, Italy
Primus Martin Modéus, Archbishop of Uppsala, Sweden
H.E. Archbishop Norbert Turini, Archbishop of Montpellier, France
Most Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, Presiding Bishop of the Church of Norway
H.E. Sandro Salvucci, Archbishop of Pesaro and Urbino-Urbania-Sant’Angelo in Vado, Italy
Most Rev. Dr. Tapio Luoma, Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
H.E. William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
H.E. Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Down and Connor, Ireland
H.E. Andreas Holmberg, Bishop of Stockholm, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Anne Lise Ådnøy, Bishop of Stavanger, Norway
H.E. Antonio Napolioni, Bishop of Cremona, Italy
Rt. Rev. Åsa Nyström, Bishop of Luleå, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Bo-Göran Åstrand Bishop of Porvoo, Finland
H.E. Calogero Marino, Bishop of Savona-Noli, Italy
H.E. Carlo Villano, Bishop of Pozzuoli and Ischia, Italy
H.E. Erik Eckerdal, Bishop of Visby and of the Church of Sweden abroad, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Fredrik Modéus, Bishop of Växjö, Sweden
H.E. Giuseppe Favale, Bishop of Conversano-Monopoli, Italy
Rt. Rev. Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir, Bishop of Iceland
Rt. Rev. Herborg Finnset, Bishop of Nidaros, Norway
Rt. Rev. Ingeborg Midttømme, Bishop of Molde, Norway
Rt. Rev. Jan Otto Myrseth, Bishop of Tunsberg, Norway
Rt. Rev. Johan Dalman, Bishop of Strängnäs, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Johan Tyrberg, Bishop of Lund, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg, Bishop of Borg, Norway
Rt. Rev. Kari Veiteberg, Bishop of Oslo, Norway
Rt. Rev. Karin Johannesson, Bishop of Uppsala, Sweden
H.E. Laurent Percerou, Bishop of Nantes, France
H.E. Lode Vanhecke, Bishop of Ghent, Belgium
H.E. Luigi Mansi, Bishop of Andria, Italy
H.E. Marc Stenger, Bishop (Em.) of Troyes and Co-President of Pax Christi International
Rt. Rev. Mari Leppänen, Bishop of the Archdiocese of Turku, Finland
Rt. Rev. Mari Parkkinen, Bishop of Mikkeli, Finland
Rt. Rev. Marianne Christiansen, Bishop of Haderslev, Denmark
Rt. Rev. Marianne Gaarden, Bishop of Lolland-Falster, Denmark
Rt. Rev. Marika Markovits, Bishop of Linköping, Sweden
H.E. Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Ireland
Rt. Rev. Mikael Mogren, Bishop of Västerås, Sweden
H.E. Nicolò Anselmi, Bishop of Rimini, Italy
Rt. Rev. Ole Kristian Bonden, Bishop of Hamar, Norway
H.E. Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Ireland
Rt. Rev. Peter Skoc-Jakobsen, Bishop of Copenhagen, Denmark
Rt. Rev. Ragnhild Jepsen, Bishop of Björgvin, Norway
H.E. Sabino Iannuzzi, Bishop of Castellaneta, Italy
Rt. Rev. Sören Dalevi, Bishop of Karlstad, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Svein Valle, Bishop of Sør-Hålogaland, Norway
Rt. Rev. Susanne Rappmann, Bishop of Gothenburg, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Teresia Derlen, Bishop of Hārnösand, Sweden
Rt. Rev. Ulrica Fritzson, Bishop of Skara, Sweden
H.E. Vito Piccinonna, Bishop of Rieti, Italy
H.E. William Crean, Bishop of Cloyne and Chairman of Trócaire, Ireland
Rev. Bernard McKenna, Councillor to the Superior General of Marist Priests, Italy
Fr. Carmine Miccoli, Priest of the Archdiocese of Lanciano-Ortona, Italy
Fr. Denis Blackledge, s.j., Catholic Priest, United Kingdom
Sr. Denise Corbineau, IRSI (Instituts religieux et Solidarité internationale), France
Pr. Elisa Vihervaara-Räihä, Pastor of the Church of Finland
Rev. Einar Tjelle, International Director of the Church of Norway
Br. Elvis Ng’andwe, Executive Secretary at Africa Europe Faith & Justice Network, Belgium
Pr. Ernest Reichert (retired), Former President of Amis de Sabeel, France
Fr. Filipe Martins, s.j., European Delegate for Jesuit Social Apostolate and Ecology, Belgium
Canon Gerard Murray, Chair of the Birmingham Justice and Peace Commission, United Kingdom
Rev. Henrik Frykberg, Bishops’ advisor on interfaith dialogue, Sweden
Pr. Emmanuelle Seyboldt, President of the National Council of the United Protestant Church of France
Pr. Isabelle Gerber, President of the Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine, France
Fr. James Garvey, Priest, United Kingdom
Fr. Jan Vanden Berghe, Retired Catholic Priest, Belgium
Fr. Jean-Luc Ragonneau, Priest and Chaplain of CCFD Terre Solidaire, France
Pr. Jens Hansen, Pastor, Italy
Rev. Joe McCarthy, Priest, Ireland
Fr. Joe Ryan, Priest and Former Chair of the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, United Kingdom
Rev. Karin Wiborn, president of Uniting Church, Sweden
Sr. Katrina Alton, National Chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
Sr. M. Dominica Michalke, General Superior of the School Sisters of Notre-Dame, Italy
Sr. Margaret Duffy, Sister of Mercy, United Kingdom
Sr. Mary Bridget Leamy, Sister in Religion, Ireland.
Sr. Monica Butler, Sister of Mercy and Spiritual and Pastoral guide, United Kingdom
Sr. Monica Lewis, Sister in Religion, Germany
Rev. Nicholas Taylor, Priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church and member of the SEC Group on Palestine, United Kingdom
Rev. Paul Lansu, Priest of the diocese of Antwerp, Belgium and Board Member at Pax Christi International
Rev. Roberta Woodward, Curate, United Kingdom
Rev. Dr. Sofia Camnerin, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Sweden
Rev. Sven Sundin, Hospital chaplain, Sweden
Sr. Thérèse Poizat, Provincial leader of the Congrégation Notre-Dame, France
Rev. Tom Murray, Permanemt Deacon, United Kingdom
Rev. Tony Slingo, Priest, United Kingdom
Ms. Alessandra Mambelli, Member of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
Mr. Alfonso Zardi, Executive Vice-President of Pax Christi France
Mr. Andrew Jackson, Chief Executive, Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
Ms. Ann Kelly, Midlands Representative of Christian Life Community England & Wales and Member of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
Ms. Ann Farr, Member of the Coventry JP Group and Pax Christi Coventry, United Kingdom
Mrs. Anna FitzPatrick, Laudato Si Animator, United Kingdom
Mrs. Anne de Vergnette, Vice-Minister PACA-Corse of the Secular Franciscan Order, France
Mrs. Anne Dobbing, Member of Pax Christi Scotland, United Kingdom
Mrs. Anne Peacey, Chair of the National Justice and Peace Network, United Kingdom
Ms. Anne-Marie Clements, Member of the Executive Committee of Pax Christi Scotland, United Kingdom
Mr. Arnoult Boissau, President of the Délégation Catholique pour la Coopération (DCC) – Catholic Delegation for Cooperation, France
Ms. Axelle Fischer, Secretary-General of Entraide & Fraternité, Belgium
Mrs. Belinda Burke, Secretary of Wear Valley Justice and Peace, United Kingdom
Mr. Birger Nygaard, General Secretary of the Council on International Relations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Denmark
Mrs. Camille Fidgett, Reader/Minister of Holy Communion, United Kingdom
Ms. Cath Attlee, Laudato Si Animator, United Kingdom
Ms. Chah Garde, Communications Officer of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference, Ireland
Mr. Christian Albecker, Former President of the Union of Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine and of the Conference of the Churches on the Rhine, France
Ms. Colette Joyce, Justice and Peace Co-ordinator of the Diocese of Westminster, United Kingdom
Ms. Erika Christmann, Peace Group “Frauen wagen Frieden”, Germany
Dr. Franco Dinelli, President of the Study Centre of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
Ms. Françoise Brument, Secular Franciscan Order, France
Dr. Gary Carville, Executive Secretary & Coordinator of the Council for Justice & Peace of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Ireland
Mr. Gerold König, Federal President of pax christi Germany
Mr. Ghislain Le Ray, Representant of Pax Christi International to UNESCO, France
Mr. Hugh Foy, Director of Programmes and Partnerships for the UK Region of the Xaverian Missionaries, United Kingdom
Dr. Jan Nielen, Member of Franciscaanse Beweging Nederland, The Netherlands
Ms. Janette Harper, Co-Chair of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
Mr. Jean-Luc Bausson, Co-President of Chrétiens dans le Monde Rural, France
Mrs. Jill Kent, Chair of the Justice and Peace Commission, Scotland
Mr. Jim Farrell, Chair of the Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee of the Diocese of Raphoe, Ireland
Mr. Johan Swinnen, Ambassador for Peace, Pax Christi Vlaanderen, Belgium
Mrs. Johanna Hookes, Activist at Pax Christi England and Wales and CAFOD, United Kingdom
Ms. Josephine Siedlecka, Editor at Independent Catholic News, United Kingdom
Ms. Josianne Gauthier, Secretary General of CIDSE – International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations, Belgium
Ms. Karin Flick, Co-President of Chrétiens dans le Monde Rural, France
Mrs. Kathryn Lydon, Chair of Pax Christi England and Wales’ Executive Committee, United Kingdom
Dr. Lawrence S. Pedregosa, Advocacy and Communication Officer of Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network, Belgium
Ms. Lieve Herijgers, Director of Broederlijk Delen, Belgium
Ms. Linalie Newman, Mission Director of the Evangeliska Frikyrkan – Interact, Sweden
Mrs. Linda Rose, Youth leader, United Kingdom
Ms. Margaret Rooney, Committee Member of Raphoe Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation JPIC Group, Ireland
Mrs. Maria Hammershøy, Co-President of Justice & Peace Europe, Denmark
Ms. Marian Pallister, Chair of Pax Christi Scotland and Justice and Peace Commissioner for the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scotland
Ms. Marilyn Pacouret, President of Chrétien de la Méditerranée / President of Amis de Sabeel, France
Mr. Mark Bowker, Franciscan Secular Order, United Kingdom
Mrs. Martha Inés Romero, Pax Christi International Secretary General
Mr. Martin Pilgram, President of pax christi München, Germany
Mrs. Mary Magdalen Conway, Member of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
Ms. Mary T. Yelenick, Main UN NGO Representative of Pax Christi International and Board Member of Pax Christi International, Belgium
Mr. Matthieu Juglar, President of “Voir Ensemble”, christian movement of blind and visually impaired people, France
Mrs. Michelle Ellison, President of Christian Life Community England and Wales, United Kingdom
Dr. Mike Mineter, Member of Caritas and of the Justice and Peace Commission of St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese, Scotland
Mrs. Myriam MacCionnaith, Member of JPICC, Ireland
Mr. Nils Gårder, Member of the Board of the Church of Sweden
Mr. Orry Van de Wauwer, Director Pax Christi Vlaanderen, Belgium
Mr. Paul Davies, Member of pax christi Freising, Germany
Mr. Patrick Raymond, National President of Action Catholique des Enfants, France
Mr. Paschal Somers, Passionist Development Worker, United Kingdom
Ms. Pat Gaffney, Vice President of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
Dr. Peter Lodberg, Chairman of the Council of Interchurch Relation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Denmark
Prof. Philippe Daumas, Member of Amis de Sabeel, France
Mr. Philippe Leroux, President of Chrétiens dans l’Enseignement Public, France
Dr. Rosalyn Mauchline, Member of Pax Christi Scotland
Mrs. Rossana Lignano, Member of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
Mr. Royden Morrow, Justice and Peace group member, United Kingdom
Ms. Sandra Andreolli, Referent Punto Pace Pax Christi Mestre-Venezia, Italy
Pr. Steven Fuite, President of the United Protestant Church, Belgium
Mr. Ulf Häggqvist, General director of Swedish Alliance Mission, Sweden
Dr. Valerie Flessati, Vice-President of Pax Christi England & Wales, United Kingdom
Ms. Virginie Amieux, President of CCFD-Terre Solidaire, France
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Palaver, President of Pax Christi Austria
Mr. André Harreau, France
Mrs. Anne Suzza, France
Mrs. Barbara Mariotti, France
Mrs. Celia Gurowich, United Kingdom
Ms. Claire Millot, France
Dr. Daniel McKillop, United Kingdom
Ms. Dianne Rollins, Ireland
Mr. Dominic Bell, United Kingdom
Mr. François Bigot, France
Mr. Foucauld Giuliani, France
Mme. Françoise Jarrosson, France
Ms. Grace Shockman, Spain
Ms. Hope Nyabienda, United Kingdom
Mr. Jac De Bruyn, Belgium
Mrs. Janine Kilroy, United Kingdom
Mr. Jeroen van de Loo, The Netherlands
Mrs. J.L. Huntley, United Kingdom
Mr. John Dowling, United Kingdom
Mr. John Warren, United Kingdom
Ms. Julie Currall, United Kingdom
Mr. Kris Pears, United Kingdom
Mr. Lamy, France
Ms. Lineke Schakenbos, The Netherlands
Dr. Lucas FM van der Hoeven, The Netherlands
Mrs. Margaret Dimambro, United Kingdom
Ms. Maria Regina Feckl, Germany
Mrs. Marie Allen, United Kingdom
Dr. Marie Cooke, United Kingdom
Mrs. Marie Heath, United Kingdom
Mrs. Martine Prévôt, France
Ms. Mary Hickman, United Kingdom
Mr. Michael Crawford, Ireland
Mr. Owen Butler, United Kingdom
Mr. Patric Gorrebeeck, Belgium
Mrs. Patricia Gillian, United Kingdom
Prof. Patrick Fitzsimmons, United Kindom
Mr. Régis Bigo, France
Mr. Robert Burnett, United Kingdom
Mr. Stephen Atherton, United Kingdom
Ms. Suzanne Coombs, United Kingdom
Dr. Teresa Devereux, United Kingdom
Mrs. Theresa Alessandro, United Kingdom
Mr. Tom Caple, United Kingdom
Mr. Tom Murray, United Kingdom
Mr. Vincent Royon, France
Mr. William Hannigan, United Kingdom
Ms. Ysabel Vitkovitch, France