These words from the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia:

“The pursuit of peace is at the core of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

“When looking to the Church’s responsibilities beyond our shores, peace in the Holy Land is an issue of intimate concern to us as Christians. This concern is born out of our Christian hope for a reconciled world generally, and more specifically through the knowledge that these lands were those in which Jesus exercised his ministry. However, this peace seems far off for the people of Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

“Churches around the world have, in recent years, been moved to act for a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Territories. This action in words and deeds has itself been non-violent, and intended to encourage the governments of Israel and Palestine to intensify their efforts for peace. In July, 2011, the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly Standing Committee resolved, on behalf of the Assembly, to join the boycott of products produced in the illegal Israeli Settlements within the Palestinian Territory of the West Bank.[4]

“This resolution was made in answer to a call for peaceful action from Palestinian Christians (Kairos Palestine, 2009), and in response to resolutions of the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches in Australia. The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly now invites its members and congregations to consider taking steps “to pray and work for a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians”.

“There are a number of ways in which members and congregations might add their voice to this prayer for peace in the Holy Land. These include writing letters to the Federal Government and the Federal Opposition, praying for peace for the people of Israel and the Palestinian people, becoming more familiar with the number of perspectives on the conflict, and may include a boycott of goods produced in the Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

“The ‘Prayer for Peace’ resources below can assist members and congregations to learn more or get involved.

The World Council of Churches encourages all churches to mark a

World Week of Peace in Palestine and Israel

During this week which includes the International Day of Prayer for Peace on 21^st September, church organizations, congregations, and people of faith are encouraged to make a common witness by participating in worship services, educational events, and acts of supports to support peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians. Find out more and get the resources here