Signing Our Blessing to War
This issue of A Public Witness takes a look at past efforts from Christian clergy to bless weapons of war before returning to a current conflict to hear from a pastor in the little town of Bethlehem.
Pope Francis Denounces the Weapons Industry As He Makes a Christmas Appeal for Peace in the World
Vatican officials said about 70,000 people filled St. Peter's Square for Francis' noonday speech and blessing. They included many people flying Palestinian flags, as well as some Ukrainian ones.
Western Churches Called for Cease-Fire. Palestinian Christians Heard Empty Words.
Palestinian Christians have felt abandoned by global Christian church leaders’ statements on the Israel-Hamas war, with some viewing the war as a moment for Western denominations to reckon with their colonialist past.
Pope Francis Condemns Saturday’s Israeli Attack on Christian Church As Act of Terrorism
'It’s war, it’s terrorism,' Pope Francis said.
Unsettling Advent 2023, Day 15
Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, offers this first entry in our week exploring the theme of Advent during a time of bloodshed in Israel.
Ahead of White House Hanukkah Celebration, a Wave of Faith-Led Cease-Fire Demonstrations
The demonstrators, who were later arrested, noted the ongoing Jewish holiday, shouting, 'No Hanukkah to celebrate, cease-fire cannot wait!'
Bethlehem Pastors Arrive in DC, Urge Lawmakers To Embrace Cease-Fire, Peace Plan
'All we want for Christmas is a constant and comprehensive cease-fire and an end to this war,' said the Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church.
Claiborne, Barber, Budde Among Christian Leaders Calling for Gaza Cease-Fire at White House Vigil
'We must join forces with Jews and Christians and Muslims around the world who are calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, and the safe return of all hostages and civilian prisoners," said the Rev. William Barber II.
Black Christian Leaders Call for Cease-Fire in Gaza
Asked about Biden’s calls for 'humanitarian pauses' in the fighting, Barbara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of Skinner Leadership Institute, said: ‘It’s not adequate.’
Congolese Faith Leaders Step Up Efforts To Promote Dialogue Among Warring Groups
Church leaders are conducting weekly workshops to train traditional and church leadership in how to promote peace in their communities.