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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Church group seeks prayers to end Israel-Gaza conflict

Church group seeks prayers to end Israel-Gaza conflict

Published Nov 29, 2023 09:37 am

The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) on Wednesday, Nov. 29 expressed its deep sorrow over the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas, and urged the evangelical community and all people of good will to continue to pray for an end to the conflict.

PCEC Logo.png
Photo from PCEC

PCEC National Director Bishop Noel Pantoja in a statement noted that the council is “deeply lamented” by the deaths and injuries of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis, as well as the “terrible devastation” caused by the war.

Pantoja emphasized its solidarity with the affected communities, ”not because of religion or political affiliation, but because of common heritage as imago dei and out of God's benevolent love for everyone.”

The council pointed out that the deep-rooted grievances between Israelis and Palestinians can only be resolved through “sincere, peaceful negotiations,” rather than through “hatred and violence.”

“We firmly believe these can only be resolved painstakingly through sincere peaceful negotiations, and that hatred and violence can never forge a just, peaceful, and lasting solution to this longstanding conflict,” it said.

The council called on the leaders of Israel and Palestine to “make humanity the grounding principle of their actions” and to realize that the war can only lead to further human suffering and the destruction of the land.

The PCEC also appealed to the international community to use its influence to bring an end to the war.

“Therefore, we fervently appeal to the government of Israel and the leaders of Hamas to end the war and let peace reign, a peace that expresses God's compassionate concern for all people, especially those who are vulnerable such as orphans, widows, strangers, the oppressed, and the poor,” it said.

"We likewise appeal to the international community, particularly nations who have close ties with Israel and Palestine, to use all their power and influence toward the cessation of this war," the group added.

"Let us pray that their leaders will have a heart of flesh that can truly empathize with the suffering of their people and neighbors," it said.

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