wfn.org | United Church(Canada) Moderator Calls for a Ceasefire in Gaza

["Broadhurst, Tom" <tbroadhu@united-church.ca>]

News 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 i ts deep concern
about the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, an d 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 achieve d through
violence. Instead, it leads to greater suffering and incr eased hatred
and continues the cycle of violence," says Giuliano.

"The teachings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are ro oted in love,
peace, and justice," says Giuliano. "I invite all religio us leaders to
join hearts to witness to those roots through prayer an d 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 Na tions
resolutions, leading to a just and lasting peace for Pa lestinians and
Israelis," says Giuliano.

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

Since 2006, Gaza has been suffering a humanitarian catast rophe 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 oc cupation,
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 adheren ts to

* pray for peace in the Holy Land

* enable the work of United Church partners by contribu ting to the
United for Peace Campaign or increasing support to the  Mission and
Service Fund

* help to provide humanitarian relief by earmarking a d esignated
donation to the Action by Churches Together (ACT) appeal  for Gaza.
Individuals can either donate online or mail cheques, mad e 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 throug h 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)
>mdenis@united-church.ca

>--30--

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