WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES CALLS ON BELIEVERS TO BE A SOURCE OF HOPE DURING WORLD WEEK FOR PEACE

The World Council of Churches (WCC) held a special prayer on 16 September 2024 as part of the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel. The prayer emphasized the role of Christians in being a source of hope amid the ongoing conflict devastating the Holy Land.

With the theme "Whatever you did..., you did for me" (Matthew 25:40), the 2024 World Week for Peace invited deep reflections from various religious leaders. One of these reflections was delivered by Rev. Ashraf Tanous from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, who questioned the readiness of believers to face the day of judgment.

“This question is very important to me as a Christian, especially in the midst of all forms of violence that continue to occur in this world,” said Tanous. “As a Palestinian Christian, I ask myself, am I really ready? How can we be ready?”

Tanous also reminded that Jesus had taught many things, including by asking questions to His people. “When I was naked, did you clothe me? When I was sick, did you care for me? When I was imprisoned, did you visit me?” asked Tanous, quoting Jesus' teachings.

According to Tanous, Jesus provides a clear answer: “Whenever you do it for my brothers and sisters, you have done it for me.” This encourages Christians to reflect on their actions in the midst of the crisis occurring in the Holy Land, the birthplace of Christianity.

“Are we truly fulfilling our duties? These are very difficult questions, but they must be answered. We cannot remain silent about what is happening in the land of the Bible,” emphasized Tanous. He further added that the war must be stopped, and God's image must be restored.

In his prayer, Tanous stressed that every person is made in the image of God. “We cry a cry of hope. Let us be a source of hope for others,” he urged.

As part of the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, WCC also prayed for the churches and people of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay during this week.

The prayers of the people recited during the event expressed hope for peace in Palestine and Israel. They prayed for an end to injustice, fear, and violence, and sought protection for those struggling to maintain hope amid suffering.

“God, let your love and life-giving power flow; encourage, release, and protect all your children who fight to keep hope alive,” reads a portion of the prayer.