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Claude Mostowik: Gaza & the Credibility of the Gospel
“Faith leaders should stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and should call on the Australian government to condemn all violence that threatens a just future for the people of Palestine, Israel and the Middle East.”
‘The credibility of the Gospel is at stake’: Pax Christi calls on faith leaders to speak out on behalf of Gaza
Source: John Menadue Public Policy Journal
“Faith leaders should stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and should call on the Australian government to condemn all violence that threatens a just future for the people of Palestine, Israel and the Middle East.This call comes from Pax Christi, an ecumenical Christian organisation. Pax Christi Australia has sent the following appeal to all local faith leaders as it prepares to take part in the traditional annual Palm Sunday peace rally on 24 April. The appeal reads:
Pax Christi Australia, part of the international Christian peace movement Pax Christi International, based in Brussels, works to promote peace with justice and non-violence locally and globally, having strong links with justice for the people of Palestine.
We mourn the suffering endured in Israel and Palestine and call on peace groups and religious leaders to stridently promote active non-violence in the pursuit of peace with justice.
Pax Christi Australia has called on the Australian government, to condemn all violence which threatens a just and non-violent future.
On Palm Sunday, crowds in Jerusalem showered blessings of peace upon The One who came in the name of God, whereas some religious leaders told Jesus to silence his disciples, to which he replied, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Gaza has become a killing field and the stones, the rubble, cry out to the world of genocide and the cries of people under the rubble. The stones cry out through the voice and actions of millions of people. These cries call for response. Yet, there is shameful silence from many church leaders who have yet to voice the call for peace, a call for support of the International Court of Justice, and call for humanitarian aid. It is morally derelict that the silence for peace is crushed by a complicity with Israel’s evil genocide that slaughters our human brothers and sisters.
The dignified pleas of Pope Francis and United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres to stop the violence have been ignored. As true followers of the non-violent Jesus, we are deeply distressed at the silence of those with political and religious power and moral responsibilities. The credibility of the gospel is at stake…”