For over a year, we have witnessed the tragic escalation of a severe humanitarian crisis affecting countless lives in the Middle East. As people of faith, we have a vital role in advocating for peace, condemning atrocities, and supporting those who suffer. With the international community’s response proving inadequate, it is essential for religious leaders and communities to speak up and not remain silent.
Pax Christi International, CIDSE, and members of ACT Alliance Europe have united to draft a letter calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, an end to the occupation and violence in the West Bank, and the protection of Holy sites in Jerusalem.
With the support of Church leaders and communities across Europe, this letter seeks to lay the groundwork for meaningful advocacy efforts targeting European policymakers.
It is not too late to sign the letter through this form and share it with other faith leaders and communities. The form will be open until 9 December to collect additional signatures.
Read the Statement: “Take this opportunity to make a stand for Just Peace”.
October 2024
Over the past year, we have witnessed the tragic escalation of a severe humanitarian crisis that continues to affect countless lives. On 7 October 2023, over a thousand Israelis were killed in an attack by Hamas-led factions, and more than 250 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 42,000 people losing their lives in Gaza. Both communities are enduring profound suffering, and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is worsening, with famine and disease leading to further loss of life. In the West Bank illegal settlements continue to expand and settler violence has dramatically increased since October 7th, creating a coercive environment that makes life impossible for Palestinian communities and forces them to leave their homes.
In January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that there are plausible grounds to believe that Israel may be violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza. Meanwhile, the situation across the Middle East is rapidly escalating, with ongoing breaches of international law in Lebanon steadily building up towards a wider regional war. These tensions have deep roots, stemming from a conflict that began over a century ago. There is thus an urgent need for a just and lasting peace that addresses the situation in its complexity, while ensuring the needs and rights of all affected parties are respected.
As religious leaders and communities of faith, we have a vital role in preventing atrocities and advocating for sustainable peace in the Holy Land. Furthermore, it is our moral responsibility to advocate for those suffering and to condemn atrocities. We can establish a path toward lasting peace by combining grassroots efforts with international community negotiations.
Call to Action:
1. Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
We urgently call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to halt the ongoing violence, which continues to claim innocent lives of Palestinians, Israelis and Lebanese civilians. A ceasefire is essential to facilitate the unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where the situation is beyond dire. Ensuring that humanitarian organisations can reach those in need without obstruction is critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis, respecting international humanitarian principles, and valuing human life.
2. Hostage Release and Protection of Civilians
We also call for the immediate release of all hostages as well as unlawful detainees, under the protection of international law. A ceasefire will create the necessary conditions for diplomatic efforts aimed at securing their release and ensuring that civilians are protected from further harm. Independent, neutral investigations into human rights violations and robust civilian protections are essential for building trust and preventing further escalation.
3. Addressing Root Causes of Violence
Beyond the immediate crisis, we must address the underlying causes of this ongoing suffering. The Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory must end. Barriers to movement and access to essential services must be removed to allow people to meet their basic needs and rebuild their lives. The ongoing violence, including land seizures and rising fear, must be halted and met with neutral investigations and measures to ensure civilian safety. Human rights and the right to self-determination must be respected and put at the center of any political solution.
4. Respecting the Status Quo on Jerusalem’s Holy Sites
We also advocate for secure access to the Holy Sites everywhere in the occupied Palestinian territory and respect for the right to worship. The unique status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the sanctity of its sacred spaces, and the sustainability of all its communities must be safeguarded and respected by everyone.
5. Government Action and International Law
We urge our governments to take decisive action in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Diplomatic efforts must focus on de-escalating the conflict, supporting affected communities, and ensuring that all parties respect the rules of war. Legal mechanisms like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) play a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable and preventing future atrocities.
6. Reopen Dialogue for Lasting Peace
Reopening dialogue for a lasting peace agreement is vital. Only through sustained negotiations and a commitment to justice and accountability can we hope to address the root causes of this perpetual violence and build a future where everyone’s rights are respected. In order for any peace process to be meaningful and inclusive, civil society organisations and faith communities will need to play a central role.
A Lasting Solution:
The efforts outlined above can address both the root causes and the immediate emergencies of this ongoing conflict. Implementing these measures will facilitate dialogue between the parties, bringing an end to violence and achieving lasting peace in the Holy Land, where everyone’s human rights are respected.
As faith leaders and representatives of faith communities, we believe in the power of hope and action. By standing together and advocating for justice and compassion, we can contribute to a future where peace prevails, and the dignity of every person is upheld.
Guided by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,’ we are compelled by our faith to speak out and act in the face of suffering and injustice. We urge you to reflect these values in your decisions and actions, promoting peace, upholding human dignity, and working tirelessly for a just resolution to this conflict. Together, we can be instruments of peace, committed to healing and reconciliation for all.
List of signatories (last update: 6 January 2025)
- H.E. Michel Sabbah, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and former President of Pax Christi International
- Most Rev. Antje Jackelén, Archbishop emerita, Church of Sweden
- H.E. Antoine Hérouard, Archbishop of Dijon, France and Co-President of Justice & Peace Europe
- H.E. Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dubin, Ireland
- H.E. Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples, Italy
- H.E. Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference, Ireland
- H.E. Francesco Neri, Archbishop of Otranto, Italy
- H.E. François Fonlupt, Archbishop of Avignon in charge of diacony and solicarity within the French Conference of Bishops, France
- H.E. Gherardo Gambelli, Archbishop of Florence, Italy
- H.E. Gian Carlo Perego, Archbishop of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy
- H.E. Giovanni Intini, Archbishop of Brindisi-Ostuni, Italy
- H.E. Giovanni Ricchiuti, Archbishop-Bishop Em. of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva d. Fonti and President of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
- H.E. Giuseppe Satriano, Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto, Italy
- H.E. Malcolm McMahon, Archbishop of Liverpool and President of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
- H.E. Marco Tasca, Archbishop of Genova, Italy
- Primus Martin Modéus, Archbishop of Uppsala, Sweden
- H.E. Archbishop Norbert Turini, Archbishop of Montpellier, France
- Most Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, Presiding Bishop of the Church of Norway
- H.E. Sandro Salvucci, Archbishop of Pesaro and Urbino-Urbania-Sant’Angelo in Vado, Italy
- Most Rev. Dr. Tapio Luoma, Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
- H.E. William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- H.E. Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Down and Connor, Ireland
- H.E. Andreas Holmberg, Bishop of Stockholm, Sweden
- Rt. Rev. Anne Lise Ådnøy, Bishop of Stavanger, Norway
- H.E. Antonio Napolioni, Bishop of Cremona, Italy
- Rt. Rev. Åsa Nyström, Bishop of Luleå, Sweden
- H.E. Calogero Marino, Bishop of Savona-Noli, Italy
- H.E. Carlo Villano, Bishop of Pozzuoli and Ischia, Italy
- H.E. Erik Eckerdal, Bishop of Visby and of the Church of Sweden abroad, Sweden
- Rt. Rev. Fredrik Modéus, Bishop of Växjö, Sweden
- H.E. Giuseppe Favale, Bishop of Conversano-Monopoli, Italy
- Rt. Rev. Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir, Bishop of Iceland
- Rt. Rev. Herborg Finnset, Bishop of Nidaros, Norway
- Rt. Rev. Ingeborg Midttømme, Bishop of Molde, Norway
- Rt. Rev. Jan Otto Myrseth, Bishop of Tunsberg, Norway
- Rt. Rev. Johan Dalman, Bishop of Strängnäs, Sweden
- Rt. Rev. Johan Tyrberg, Bishop of Lund, Sweden
- Rt. Rev. Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg, Bishop of Borg, Norway
- Rt. Rev. Kari Veiteberg, Bishop of Oslo, Norway
- Rt. Rev. Karin Johannesson, Bishop of Uppsala, Sweden
- H.E. Laurent Percerou, Bishop of Nantes, France
- H.E. Lode Vanhecke, Bishop of Ghent, Belgium
- H.E. Luigi Mansi, Bishop of Andria, Italy
- H.E. Marc Stenger, Bishop (Em.) of Troyes and Co-President of Pax Christi International
- Rt. Rev. Mari Parkkinen, Bishop of Mikkeli, Finland
- Rt. Rev. Marianne Christiansen, Bishop of Haderslev, Denmark
- Rt. Rev. Marianne Gaarden, Bishop of Lolland-Falster, Denmark
- Rt. Rev. Marika Markovits, Bishop of Linköping, Sweden
- H.E. Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Ireland
- Rt. Rev. Mikael Mogren, Bishop of Västerås, Sweden
- H.E. Nicolò Anselmi, Bishop of Rimini, Italy
- Rt. Rev. Ole Kristian Bonden, Bishop of Hamar, Norway
- H.E. Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Ireland
- Rt. Rev. Peter Skoc-Jakobsen, Bishop of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Rt. Rev. Ragnhild Jepsen, Bishop of Björgvin, Norway
- H.E. Sabino Iannuzzi, Bishop of Castellaneta, Italy
- Rt. Rev. Sören Dalevi, Bishop of Karlstad, Sweden
- Rt. Rev. Svein Valle, Bishop of Sør-Hålogaland, Norway
- Rt. Rev. Susanne Rappmann, Bishop of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Rt. Rev. Teresia Derlen, Bishop of Hārnösand, Sweden
- Rt. Rev. Ulrica Fritzson, Bishop of Skara, Sweden
- H.E. Vito Piccinonna, Bishop of Rieti, Italy
- H.E. William Crean, Bishop of Cloyne and Chairman of Trócaire, Ireland
- Rev. Bernard McKenna, Councillor to the Superior General of Marist Priests, Italy
- Fr. Carmine Miccoli, Priest of the Archdiocese of Lanciano-Ortona, Italy
- Fr. Denis Blackledge, s.j., Catholic Priest, United Kingdom
- Rev. Einar Tjelle, International Director of the Church of Norway
- Br. Elvis Ng’andwe, Executive Secretary at Africa Europe Faith & Justice Network, Belgium
- Pr. Ernest Reichert (retired), Former President of Amis de Sabeel, France
- Fr. Filipe Martins, s.j., European Delegate for Jesuit Social Apostolate and Ecology, Belgium
- Canon Gerard Murray, Chair of the Birmingham Justice and Peace Commission, United Kingdom
- Rev. Henrik Frykberg, Bishops’ advisor on interfaith dialogue, Sweden
- Pr. Emmanuelle Seyboldt, President of the National Council of the United Protestant Church of France
- Pr. Isabelle Gerber, President of the Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine, France
- Fr. James Garvey, Priest, United Kingdom
- Fr. Jan Vanden Berghe, Retired Catholic Priest, Belgium
- Fr. Jean-Luc Ragonneau, Priest and Chaplain of CCFD Terre Solidaire, France
- Pr. Jens Hansen, Pastor, Italy
- Rev. Joe McCarthy, Priest, Ireland
- Fr. Joe Ryan, Priest and Former Chair of the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, United Kingdom
- Rev. Karin Wiborn, president of Uniting Church, Sweden
- Sr. Katrina Alton, National Chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
- Sr. M. Dominica Michalke, General Superior of the School Sisters of Notre-Dame, Italy
- Sr. Margaret Duffy, Sister of Mercy, United Kingdom
- Sr. Mary Bridget Leamy, Sister in Religion, Ireland.
- Sr. Monica Butler, Sister of Mercy and Spiritual and Pastoral guide, United Kingdom
- Sr. Monica Lewis, Sister in Religion, Germany
- Rev. Nicholas Taylor, Priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church and member of the SEC Group on Palestine, United Kingdom
- Rev. Paul Lansu, Priest of the diocese of Antwerp, Belgium and Board Member at Pax Christi International
- Rev. Roberta Woodward, Curate, United Kingdom
- Rev. Dr. Sofia Camnerin, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Sweden
- Rev. Sven Sundin, Hospital chaplain, Sweden
- Sr. Thérèse Poizat, Provincial leader of the Congrégation Notre-Dame, France
- Rev. Tom Murray, Permanemt Deacon, United Kingdom
- Rev. Tony Slingo, Priest, United Kingdom
- Ms. Alessandra Mambelli, Member of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
- Mr. Alfonso Zardi, Executive Vice-President of Pax Christi France
- Mr. Andrew Jackson, Chief Executive, Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
- Ms. Ann Kelly, Midlands Representative of Christian Life Community England & Wales and Member of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
- Ms. Ann Farr, Member of the Coventry JP Group and Pax Christi Coventry, United Kingdom
- Ms. Anna FitzPatrick, Laudato Si Animator, United Kingdom
- Ms. Anne de Vergnette, Vice-Minister PACA-Corse of the Secular Franciscan Order, France
- Ms. Anne Dobbing, Member of Pax Christi Scotland, United Kingdom
- Ms. Anne Peacey, Chair of the National Justice and Peace Network, United Kingdom
- Ms. Anne-Marie Clements, Member of the Executive Committee of Pax Christi Scotland, United Kingdom
- Mr. Arnoult Boissau, president of the Délégation Catholique pour la Coopération (DCC) – Catholic Delegation for Cooperation, France
- Ms. Belinda Burke, Secretary of Wear Valley Justice and Peace, United Kingdom
- Mr. Birger Nygaard, General Secretary of the Council on International Relations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Denmark
- Ms. Camille Fidgett, Reader/Minister of Holy Communion, United Kingdom
- Ms. Cath Attlee, Laudato Si Animator, United Kingdom
- Ms. Chah Garde, Communications Officer of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference, Ireland
- Mr. Christian Albecker, Former President of the Union of Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine and of the Conference of Churches Riparian on the Rhine River, France
- Ms. Colette Joyce, Justice and Peace Co-ordinator of the Diocese of Westminster, United Kingdom
- Ms. Erika Christmann, Peace Group “Frauen wagen Frieden”, Germany
- Dr. Franco Dinelli, President of the Study Centre of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
- Ms. Françoise Brument, Secular Franciscan Order, France
- Dr. Gary Carville, Executive Secretary & Coordinator of the Council for Justice & Peace of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Ireland
- Mr. Gerold König, Federal President of pax christi Germany
- Mr. Ghislain Le Ray, Representant of Pax Christi International to UNESCO, France
- Mr. Hugh Foy, Director of Programmes and Partnerships for the UK Region of the Xaverian Missionaries, United Kingdom
- Dr. Jan Nielen, Member of Franciscaanse Beweging Nederland, The Netherlands
- Ms. Janette Harper, Co-Chair of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
- Mr. Jean-Luc Bausson, Co-President of Chrétiens dans le Monde Rural, France
- Ms. Jill Kent, Chair of the Justice and Peace Commission, Scotland
- Mr. Jim Farrell, Chair of the Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee of the Diocese of Raphoe, Ireland
- Mr. Johan Swinnen, Ambassador for Peace, Pax Christi Vlaanderen, Belgium
- Ms. Johanna Hookes, Activist at Pax Christi England and Wales and CAFOD, United Kingdom
- Ms. Josephine Siedlecka, Editor at Independent Catholic News, United Kingdom
- Ms. Josianne Gauthier, Secretary General of CIDSE – International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations, Belgium
- Ms. Karin Flick, Co-President of Chrétiens dans le Monde Rural, France
- Ms. Kathryn Lydon, Chair of Pax Christi England and Wales’ Executive Committee, United Kingdom
- Dr. Lawrence S. Pedregosa, Advocacy and Communication Officer of Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network, Belgium
- Ms. Lieve Herijgers, Director of Broederlijk Delen, Belgium
- Ms. Linalie Newman, Mission Director of the Evangeliska Frikyrkan – Interact, Sweden
- Ms. Linda Rose, Youth leader, United Kingdom
- Ms. Margaret Rooney, Committee Member of Raphoe Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation JPIC Group, Ireland
- Ms. Maria Hammershøy, Co-President of Justice & Peace Europe, Denmark
- Ms. Marian Pallister, Chair of Pax Christi Scotland and Justice and Peace Commissioner for the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scotland
- Ms. Marilyn Pacouret, President of Chrétien de la Méditerranée / President of Amis de Sabeel, France
- Mr. Mark Bowker, Franciscan Secular Order, United Kingdom
- Ms. Martha Inés Romero, Pax Christi International Secretary General
- Mr. Martin Pilgram, President of pax christi München, Germany
- Ms. Mary T. Yelenick, Main UN NGO Representative of Pax Christi International and Board Member of Pax Christi International, Belgium
- Mr. Matthieu Juglar, President of “Voir Ensemble”, christian movement of blind and visually impaired people, France
- Ms. Michelle Ellison, President of Christian Life Community England and Wales, United Kingdom
- Dr. Mike Mineter, Member of Caritas and of the Justice and Peace Commission of St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese, Scotland
- Mrs. Myriam MacCionnaith, Member of JPICC, Ireland
- Mr. Nils Gårder, Member of the Board of the Church of Sweden
- Mr. Orry Van de Wauwer, Director Pax Christi Vlaanderen, Belgium
- Mr. Paul Davies, Member of pax christi Freising, Germany
- Mr. Patrick Raymond, National President of Action Catholique des Enfants, France
- Mr. Paschal Somers, Passionist Development Worker, United Kingdom
- Ms. Pat Gaffney, Vice President of Pax Christi England and Wales, United Kingdom
- Dr. Peter Lodberg, Chairman of the Council of Interchurch Relation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Denmark
- Prof. Philippe Daumas, Member of Amis de Sabeel, France
- Mr. Philippe Leroux, President of Chrétiens dans l’Enseignement Public, France
- Dr. Rosalyn Mauchline, Member of Pax Christi Scotland
- Ms. Rossana Lignano, Member of Pax Christi Italia, Italy
- Mr. Royden Morrow, Justice and Peace group member, United Kingdom
- Ms. Sandra Andreolli, Referent Punto Pace Pax Christi Mestre-Venezia, Italy
- Pr. Steven Fuite, President of the United Protestant Church, Belgium
- Mr. Ulf Häggqvist, General director of Swedish Alliance Mission, Sweden
- Dr. Valerie Flessati, Vice-President of Pax Christi England & Wales, United Kingdom
- Ms. Virginie Amieux, President of CCFD-Terre Solidaire, France
- Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Palaver, President of Pax Christi Austria
- Mr. André Harreau, France
- Ms. Anne Suzza, France
- Ms. Barbara Mariotti, France
- Ms. Celia Gurowich, United Kingdom
- Ms. Claire Millot, France
- Dr. Daniel McKillop, United Kingdom
- Mr. Dominic Bell, United Kingdom
- Mr. François Bigot, France
- Mr. Foucauld Giuliani, France
- Ms. Françoise Jarrosson, France
- Ms. Grace Shockman, Spain
- Ms. Hope Nyabienda, United Kingdom
- Mr. Jac De Bruyn, Belgium
- Ms. Janine Kilroy, United Kingdom
- Mr. Jeroen van de Loo, The Netherlands
- Ms. J.L. Huntley, United Kingdom
- Mr. John Dowling, United Kingdom
- Mr. John Warren, United Kingdom
- Ms. Julie Currall, United Kingdom
- Mr. Kris Pears, United Kingdom
- Mr. Lamy, France
- Ms. Lineke Schakenbos, The Netherlands
- Dr. Lucas FM van der Hoeven, The Netherlands
- Ms. Margaret Dimambro, United Kingdom
- Ms. Maria Regina Feckl, Germany
- Ms. Marie Allen, United Kingdom
- Dr. Marie Cooke, United Kingdom
- Ms. Marie Heath, United Kingdom
- Ms. Martine Prévôt, France
- Ms. Mary Hickman, United Kingdom
- Mr. Michael Crawford, Ireland
- Mr. Owen Butler, United Kingdom
- Mr. Patric Gorrebeeck, Belgium
- Ms. Patricia Gillian, United Kingdom
- Prof. Patrick Fitzsimmons, United Kindom
- Mr. Régis Bigo, France
- Mr. Robert Burnett, United Kingdom
- Mr. Stephen Atherton, United Kingdom
- Ms. Suzanne Coombs, United Kingdom
- Dr. Teresa Devereux, United Kingdom
- Ms. Theresa Alessandro, United Kingdom
- Mr. Tom Caple, United Kingdom
- Mr. Tom Murray, United Kingdom
- Mr. Vincent Royon, France
- Mr. William Hannigan, United Kingdom
- Ms. Ysabel Vitkovitch, France
For more details, please contact:
– Giulia Bordin, Advocacy Officer, Pax Christi International (g.bordin(at)paxchristi.net)
– Dorien Vanden Boer, Policy Officer, CIDSE (vandenboer(at)cidse.org)