Peace and reconciliation are at the heart of the Gospel. In the global Anglican Communion, our church insists that one mark of mission commits us “to seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and to pursue peace and reconciliation.
Conflict between Israel and Hamas
Since October 7, 2023, Canadian Anglicans have watched with horror the deadly toll that the reignited hostilities between Israel and Hamas have exacted on the people of Israel and Gaza.
Primate Linda Nicholls has joined with Bishop Susan Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, our full communion partner, in calling on Canada’s leaders to advocate for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and an end to Israel’s occupation of all Palestinian Territories. See their statements and endorsements below:
- Open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau May 29, 2024
- “Stand against antisemitism,” leaders call ahead of Holy Week March 21, 2024
- Church leaders urge Canadian government to support ICJ ruling February 2, 2024
- Church leaders thank Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s support of humanitarian ceasefire December 14, 2023
- Church leaders urge Prime Minister Trudeau to call for a ceasefire and open corridor for humanitarian aid November 17, 2023
- Church leaders call on Canadian government to advocate for the respect of international law in Gaza October 18, 2023
- Statement on the War in the Holy Land October 10, 2023
Resources
Take action
The Canadian Council of Churches is calling on Christian communities across Canada to be salt and light in a way that opens up space to stand for peace with justice for all. See their ideas for action.
Engage in prayerful solidarity with people throughout Canada and around the world, walking the length of the Gaza Strip as part of the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage: Canadian Churches for Just Peace.
Pray
The Canadian Companions of Jerusalem offers a compilation of prayers, sentences and other worship resources for Jerusalem and Holy Land Sunday, Years A, B, C. This is a general resource for prayer for the ministries and people of the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Evangelical Lutheran church in Jordan and the Holy Land, including prayers for peace.
You can also download Prayers for Israel/Palestine from ACC, ELCIC and our partners in the Holy Land. The Church of England offers Prayers for Peace and Hope. For additional ideas for prayer, please see How to pray for Gaza and Israel from TearFund UK.
The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem offers prayers for the restoration of peace in the Holy Land.
Donate
Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Archbishop of Canterbury issued an appeal for the ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Anglicans who wish to support the ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem can donate through the Canadian Companions.
Sign a call to stop arms transfers
The Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have signed a call by 16 global humanitarian and human rights organizations demanding all UN member states halt arms transfers to Israel and Palestinian armed groups fueling the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip. Anglican organizations, including dioceses, parishes and other groups, may contribute signatures to this global appeal and help spread the word using the hashtags #StopSendingArms and #CeasefireNOW.
Resources to counter Islamophobia and anti-Semitism
Interested in initiating or continuing Christian-Muslim dialogue in your community? Explore the resources on A Common Word, a joint project of ACC and ELCIC. From Darkness to Dawn is an ACC resource on rethinking Christian attitudes towards Jews and Judaism in light of the Holocaust.