In the 1991 statement on Peacemaking the Church of the Brethren established that it shall “advance efforts toward a more peaceful world order through supporting the peacemaking efforts of the United Nations and recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.” The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was created to deal with disputes between countries that relate to international law. The church in 1991 seemed to recognize the importance of this type of arbiter for furthering conflict resolution and peace. In an effort to carry out this call, understanding the recent decisions by the ICJ related to Israel and Palestine is important for our advocacy.
Israel and Palestine
Church of the Brethren general secretary signs public letter in advance of Israeli Prime Minister’s address to Congress
Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele was one of more than 200 Christian leaders from around the world who signed a public letter in advance of the address to Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, which took place the afternoon of Wednesday, July 24.
Imagine a future that is different: Office of Peacebuilding and Policy joins delegation to Israel/Palestine
Over the last eight months, it has felt, at least to me, difficult to imagine constructively and hopefully. While the work of the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy continues to cover a range of topics and organizational partners, we have spent considerably more time than usual in relation to Israel and Palestine.
Church of the Brethren general secretary among more than 140 global Christian leaders calling for permanent Gaza ceasefire
Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele was among more than 140 global Christian leaders signing a new letter, released during Holy Week ahead of Easter, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Office of Peacebuilding and Policy one of endorsing organizations for ceasefire prayer vigil in Washington, D.C.
The Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy was one of the endorsing organizations for a prayer vigil calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, held Thursday afternoon, March 21, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as part of the Lenten Ceasefire Campaign organized by Christians for Ceasefire.
Church of the Brethren general secretary one of more than 20 Christian leaders urging ceasefire in Israel and Palestine
Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele was one of more than 20 Christian leaders signing a letter to President Biden saying, in part: “The time for a comprehensive ceasefire is now. Every day of continued violence not only increases the death toll in Gaza and the cost to civilians but also fosters further hatred toward Israel and the United States and irreparably damages the moral standing of the United States in the broader Middle East. There is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
A prayer for peace
A prayer for peace by John Paarlberg, from a release by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).
Church of the Brethren general secretary signs letter from Christian leaders to President Biden
In a Nov. 9 letter to President Biden, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and 30 American Christian leaders including Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele called on President Biden and his administration to support an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Palestine, de-escalation, and restraint by all involved.
‘Prayer Vigil: Ceasefire Now!’ will pray for peace in Israel and Palestine
The Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy is among the sponsors of a time of prayer for peace in Israel and Palestine to be held in-person in the nation’s capital this coming Monday.
Churches in Nigeria fill with music, dancing, and prayer as WCC visits
Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) was among the Nigerian denominations whose congregations received visits during a recent meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee in Abuja, Nigeria. Members of the WCC executive committee visited an array of congregations on Sunday, Nov. 12, “bringing a deep spiritual aspect to their gathering,” said a WCC release.
