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.
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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.
EDF grants since start of year fund Nigeria Crisis Response and aid responses to wars in central Africa, Gaza, and Ukraine
Brethren Disaster Ministries has directed grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to continued support for the Nigeria Crisis Response, to aid those affected in three central African countries by the warfare in Goma and the surrounding area, to aid those affected by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and to aid those affected by the war in Ukraine, among others.
Proposed National Defense Authorization Act includes automated draft registration for men and women
Urgent action is required to call on members of Congress to denounce and vote no on a proposed version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would put into law automated Selective Service or military draft registration for both men and women. The NDAA is the major defense policy bill put forward by the Senate Committee on Armed Services. If passed by Congress, the provision would take effect in the next federal fiscal year.
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.
Churches for Middle East Peace offers resources on Israel and Palestine conflict
The ecumenical organization Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which the Church of the Brethren is a member denomination, is offering a variety of resources for acting and praying for peace in Israel and Palestine, and for gaining a better understanding of the conflict there.
Church of the Brethren general secretary sends pastoral letter to the Armenian community
Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele has sent a pastoral letter to the Armenian community following the Azerbaijan attack against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) which forced the Armenian population to flee the area. The letter was sent to Archbishop Vicken Aykazian on behalf of the Armenian Church of America, the global Armenian Orthodox fellowship, and the Armenian community worldwide, with particular attention to the Armenian members and attenders within the Church of the Brethren.
Church of the Brethren and the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy join ecumenical and interfaith calls for ceasefire in Israel and Palestine
The Church of the Brethren has joined more than 20 Christian churches and organizations in the United States in sending a letter to the United States Congress mourning the loss of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and calling for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The denomination’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy signed an interfaith letter to the Biden administration and Congress, dated Oct. 16, also calling for a ceasefire.
Chernihiv (Chernigov) Brethren pastor returns to city, finds meetinghouse miraculously undamaged
“Last week Alex and I had opportunity to Facetime, something we had not done in several weeks. He and his family are back at their home in Chernihiv (Chernigov). I was able to extend greetings to all the family…. The family is doing well, particularly in light of the circumstances….”
