As Christians in our particular tradtion, we are joined in covenants with friends and partners--whose lives and prayers reveal to us the passion of God for justice and peace. Their hopes become our hopes, and their cries become ours.
As we pray for peace in Gaza and Israel today, I commend to you these covenant partners, friends and networks in the UCC that shape our response to violence and fear:
The UCC's Global Ministries Site: Organizes many of these relationships for you, and helps you explore the work and witness of our partners in the Middle East.
The World Council of Churches: Bears witness to our collaboration with so many others, and lifts up a global voice of consience and faith.
The East Jerusalem YMCA: This is a very local and important center for support and community in the Occupied Territories of Palestine, and a longtime UCC partner there.
The Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees: This is a longtime program of the Middle East Council of Churches--going all the way back to the first nakba in the late 40s and early 50s. They are especially active in caring for those displaced in Gaza now.
Get involved by learning more. Take these partners and their prayers into your heart.
In addition, this resource sheds some light on the thoughts within the Arab community, around the world. It helps us not to stereotype or simplify Arab voices and belief: https://www.arabbarometer.org/
All our prayers, and actions, and choices matter.
Dave GJ
