Official Statement from the Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church Calling for a ceasefire in Gaza

Our faith and our heritage demand a consistent stand for the value of all life. Whenever we witness acts of violence and human suffering, we have no choice but to raise our collective voices in prayer but also in protest. It is in this spirit that the Board of Bishops of the A.M.E. Zion Church joins with other Faith Leaders, including Bishops of the A.M.E. Church, our sister denomination, to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of all remaining hostages.

 

We categorically condemn the abhorrent attacks on innocent Israeli civilians that were conducted by Hamas and aligned groups on October 7, 2023. Many of the victims of this act of terrorism were peace activists who were working towards harmony with the Palestinian people. The more than 1,160 people killed and approximately 200 individuals taken hostage on that tragic day were each made in the image of GOD and are precious in GOD’s sight, but so are the more than 30,000 Palestinians killed since October 7th. Some 1.7 million Palestinians, nearly 80% of the population, has been displaced, resulting in a continuing humanitarian crisis of epic proportions.

 

The International Court of Justice has issued a ruling calling on Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide and ensure access to humanitarian aid. We believe that the line has been crossed. According to UN human rights experts, much of the population in Gaza is starving and struggling to find food, drinkable water, healthcare, and fuel. Women and children are the disproportionate victims of this humanitarian crisis. It must be ended immediately.

 

We forcefully object to the United States continuing to provide military aid to Israel without any accountability for protecting civilians in Gaza, granting access to humanitarian assistance, and ending the displacement of Palestinians. The peoples of Israel and Palestine deserve peace and the right to live their respective lives with security and self-determination. They deserve leadership better than they currently have.

 

We call upon President Biden and the members of Congress to issue a call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and reviving efforts towards a two-state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians can live with security, prosperity, and peace.

 

United in both prayer and protest for a just peace;

 

 

Done this the 27th Day of February, 2024