Posts tagged Israel and Palestine
Sumud and Solidarity: ELCA Discusses New Approaches to Peace in the Middle East

In the ELCA webinar "Go and Tell," held on April 13, 2024, Rev. Rodny Said provided a poignant update from Ramallah, highlighting the current situation in the West Bank. Rev. Dr. Meghan Aelabouni took center stage to discuss effective methods of advocating for justice in Palestine and Israel, addressing frequently asked questions and explaining the concept of Sumud—the ELCA's commitment to partnership, awareness, and advocacy in the region.

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Week 6: Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said

Week 6 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at ELCA.org/sumud.

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Week 5: Things That Make Peace with Rev. Sally Azar

Week 5 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is Things That Make Peace with Rev. Sally Azar.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at ELCA.org/sumud.

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Week 4: A Counter Cultural Message with Rev. Ashraf Tannous

Week 4 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: A Counter Cultural Message with Rev. Ashraf Tannous.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at ELCA.org/sumud.

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ELCA Bishops Unite for Peace and Migrant Solidarity in Latest Conference

During their recent meeting, the ELCA Conference of Bishops addressed critical international and domestic issues, showing support for a cease-fire in Gaza and solidarity with migrants in Texas. They discussed the role of faith in advocacy, updates on Holy Communion practices, and progress from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church. Other topics included synod diversity goals, tackling white supremacy and patriarchy, AMMPARO's expansion, and roster committee recommendations. Read more at ELCA.org.

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Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot

Week 3 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.

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ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice. 

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Week 2: Good News of Great Joy For All People with Rev. Imad Haddad

Week 2 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Good News of Great Joy For All People with Rev. Imad Haddad by the Shepherd's Field.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.

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Sumud: the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab

Week 1 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Sumud the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab at the Church of Annunciation.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.

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What is Sumud? | Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey

“Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey” begins on the Sea of Galilee. The introduction week will invite you into this 6-week series. Through this journey you will explore the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and what it means for Palestinian Christians today.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.

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Following the way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land journey

The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey.” This Lenten video series for individuals and congregations consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Each video will be available in both English and Arabic.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud here.

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North American Church Leaders Call for Peace in Holy Land in Advent Prayer Resource

The leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and The Episcopal Church (TEC) have released the Churches Beyond Borders 2023 Advent Cycle of Prayer.

The prayer resource calls for justice and peace, especially for churches impacted by the war in the Holy Land, and for lifting up Palestinian Christian communities and ministries and the congregations and institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

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Standing in Hope: A Call to Support ELCJHL Schools in Need

Join us in supporting the "Standing in Hope" campaign by Opportunity Palestine to aid the ELCJHL schools in the West Bank during the current crisis. With schools closed and families facing economic hardships, your generosity can provide essential scholarship assistance. Learn more about how you can contribute to this vital cause and stand in solidarity with the students and educators during this Advent Season.

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Supporting Augusta Victoria Hospital Amidst Middle East Conflict

In their latest situation report, Lutheran Disaster Response is actively addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Efforts include supporting Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, aiding the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land with emergency education support, partnering with ACT Alliance for immediate relief, and providing psychosocial support through Salam Arabic Church and Mother of the Savior Church. The ELCA invites prayers and donations to assist those impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.

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Statement on the Celebration of Advent and Christmas in the Midst of the War from the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem

The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have issued a statement for the upcoming Advent and Christmas season amidst the ongoing war. They urge congregations to focus on the spiritual essence of these holy seasons, calling for a shift away from grand festive activities to a more contemplative and prayerful observance. The statement emphasizes solidarity with those affected by the war, advocating for prayer, support, and generous contributions to aid war victims. Read the full statement here.

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North American and Holy Land Heads of Churches Meet in Solidarity, Prayer

​On Nov. 16, 2023, the North American heads of Churches Beyond Borders met online with their Lutheran and Episcopal counterparts in the Holy Land for a time of solidarity and prayer. The six churches renewed their commitment to mutual accompaniment, solidarity and prayer as a witness to Christ's justice and peace, uniting our churches beyond all borders.

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Inside Augusta Victoria Hospital: A Safe Haven in a War-Torn Region

In this article from The Lutheran World Federation, Dr. Fadi Atrash of Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem gives a heart-rending account of the dire impact the Israel-Palestine conflict is having on patients and staff. With access to care hindered and the threat of a looming catastrophe, AVH appeals for a ceasefire and urgent international support.

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ELCA Global Links: October/November 2023

Amidst the turmoil of the Israel-Hamas conflict, we stand with our global family in prayer and support. Read the latest Global Links newsletter for updates on the crisis, mission stories of hope, and ways to get involved. They also share mission personnel updates, new Advent resources and the ongoing Truth and Healing Movement.

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Reflections on the Israel-Hamas Conflict: Scarcity, Abundance, and Imagination

Confronting the heartbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the ELCA urges a compassionate Christian response through the lenses of scarcity, abundance, and faith. Dr. Peter N. McLellan calls us to witness the suffering and respond with abundant life, extending beyond the political divides and into a realm of shared humanity. Discover ways to support, learn, and advocate for peace and justice in this time of crisis.

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