United Church Moderator Calls for a Ceasefire in Gaza

For Immediate Release                                           Monday, January 5, 2009

     United Church Moderator Calls for a Ceasefire in Gaza

Toronto: In a statement released today, the Moderator of The United Church of Canada is calling for an immediate ceasefire to end the current violence in the Middle East.

"The United Church of Canada has consistently expressed its deep concern about the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, and about the violence committed by both Israelis and Palestinians," says the Moderator, the Right Rev. David Giuliano.

"The current crisis in Gaza is a tragic consequence of the hatred and hostility bred by the occupation. Peace cannot be achieved through violence. Instead, it leads to greater suffering and increased hatred and continues the cycle of violence," says Giuliano.

"The teachings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are rooted in love, peace, and justice," says Giuliano. "I invite all religious leaders to join hearts to witness to those roots through prayer and action for peace. As faith leaders, let us demonstrate that religion is a force for life, not death, in
the world."

In condemning the violence that has led to death and suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis, the Moderator echoes the call for a ceasefire by the church's partners in Palestine and Israel.

"The United Church stands together with our Israeli and Palestinian friends who continue to call for meaningful negotiations within the framework of international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions, leading to a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis," says
Giuliano.

The United Church of Canada has strong links with both Palestinian and Israeli partners. For over five decades, churches in Canada have supported the Near East Council of Churches in Gaza, which works to provide key services (particularly medical care and job training) and build
up civil society.

Since 2006, Gaza has been suffering a humanitarian catastrophe as a result of the economic blockade that is leaving people without water, food, electricity, fuel, shelter, or adequate health care.

"As children, women, and men struggle for life under occupation, economic siege, and military action, an immediate ceasefire must be implemented and unrestricted access to humanitarian relief provided," comments Giuliano.

The Moderator urges all United Church members and adherents to
       ·  pray for peace in the Holy Land   
       ·  enable the work of United Church partners by contributing to the United for Peace
       Campaign or increasing support to the Mission and Service Fund
       ·  help to provide humanitarian relief by earmarking a designated donation to the
       Action by Churches Together (ACT) appeal for Gaza. Individuals can either donate
       online or mail cheques, made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked
       "ACT: Gaza", to Financial Services Unit, The United Church of Canada, 3250 Bloor
       St. West, Suite 300, Toronto, ON, M8X 2Y4. (More detail on the United Church
       website: www.united-church.ca.) 
       ·  participate in efforts to seek a lasting peace through dialogue and action for justice
         

For more information, please contact:
Mary-Frances Denis
Communications Officer
The United Church of Canada
416-231-7680 ext. 2016 (office)
1-800-268-3781 ext. 2016 (toll-free)