GFM Staff issue the following statement following Hamas’ attack on Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7:
People of good faith condemn acts of violence toward all people regardless of religious affiliation. We also recognize that conflict never occurs in a vacuum.
It is only possible to fully understand all the contours of violence when we take on a posture of humility and listen to the voices of those experiencing it. We also lean on the experts and faith leaders who devote their lives to understanding it.
“As custodians of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the Holy Land, we stand in solidarity with the people of this region, who are enduring the devastating consequences of continued strife. Our faith, which is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, compels us to advocate for the cessation of all violent and military activities that bring harm to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians,” the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem said.
In the coming days, we will share thoughts from an array of voices on the recent events in the Middle East. We want these reflections to provoke curiosity, empathy and kindle movements that lead to justice and peace.
“We can and we must stand against the violence of Hamas and against the violence of Israel and against the violence of the US… and still believe in freedom for Palestine,” said Shane Claiborne. “We cannot build a peaceful world by killing each other’s children. Violence only begets more violence. And until every Palestinian and Israeli life is seen as equally precious and treated with mutual love and respect, there will not be peace in Israel.”
We, at Good Faith Media, are committed to providing resources that strengthen this conviction.
Editor’s Note: Good Faith Media removed a quote from our original statement that was seen as offensive to some within the Jewish community during this difficult time. At GFM, we attempt to foster positive and productive dialogue while at the same time being sensitive to our diverse readership.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
