Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) joins 115 humanitarian and human rights organizations in sounding the alarm over the catastrophic starvation crisis in Gaza. As part of this joint statement, CMEP urges governments to take immediate and decisive action to end Israel’s siege, open all land crossings, restore the full flow of essential aid, and demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Office of Peacebuilding and Policy
Responding to extreme heat
If you live in the United States, chances are you have experienced the extreme heat waves sweeping the nation. According to PBS, 220 million Americans– roughly two-thirds of the country– are feeling the exhausting and dangerous effects of this extreme heat.
Marking 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Aug. 6 and 9 mark 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings resulted in a combined death toll of approximately 200,000 to 250,000 people by the end of 1945. In Hiroshima, it is estimated that 70,000 to 140,000 people died, while in Nagasaki, the estimated death toll was 39,000 to 74,000.
Statement in Response to the United States Bombing of Nuclear Sites in Iran
In response to the United States bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities early on Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Church of the Brethren expresses deep concern and issues a call for the peaceful resolution of conflict.
Impact of extremism on Nigerian religious communities: Insight from DC hearing on policy and humanitarian aid
Zakaria Bulus spoke at a recent US Commission on International Religious Freedom hearing on governance in Nigeria, on the topic “Foundation for Securing Freedom of Religion or Belief.”
Office of Peacebuilding and Policy signs letter opposing rescissions package
The Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy was one of dozens of religious, humanitarian, and other nonprofit organizations joining in a letter to members of Congress opposing the White House rescissions proposal that was approved by the House of Representatives this week.
Judge finds in favor of US Institute of Peace, USIP retakes control of its headquarters
As reported in the Brethren bits section of Newsline on March 21 (see www.brethren.org/news/2025/brethren-bits-68), President Trump sought to dismantle the US Institute of Peace (USIP) by removing its leadership and having personnel from a newly created federal office, called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), forcibly take over the institute’s headquarters on March 17. The fired USIP board members filed a lawsuit
Church of the Brethren joins Christian leaders in prayer vigil to protect Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site
Dr. Mary Abraham of the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy represented the denomination at a prayer vigil held by ecumenical Christian leaders affiliated with Creation Justice Ministries in Phoenix, Ariz.
Judge denies preliminary injunction in sensitive locations lawsuit
A US District Court judge has denied a preliminary injunction motion in Mennonite USA v. DHS, the sensitive locations lawsuit in which the Church of the Brethren is one of 27 plaintiffs.
‘Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces’ nationwide prayer vigil supports lawsuit to protect sanctuaries
An interfaith prayer vigil on the evening of Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern time) held both in-person at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C., (5 Thomas Circle NW) and online via live-stream will support a court hearing in the sensitive locations lawsuit.
