statement

A Just Peace in Israel and Palestine

It's time to break the cycle of violence by addressing the root causes of conflict and work for a just peace in the Middle East.

General Board of Church and Society May 20, 2025
POSITION STATEMENT A Just Peace in Israel and Palestine The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church laments the loss of innocent lives of Palestinians and Israelis, opposes continued military occupation, the confiscation of Palestinian land and water resources, the destruction of Palestinian homes, the continued building of illegal Jewish settlements, and any vision of a "Greater Israel" that includes the occupied territories and Jerusalem.

The United Methodist Church has affirmed its commitment to nonviolent responses. The Church calls on all companies that profit from and/or support settlements through their business activities to examine these and stop any business that contributes to serious violations of international law, promotes systemic discrimination or otherwise supports ongoing military occupation. (The United Methodist Church 2020/2024 Book of Resolutions #4108, Opposition to Israeli Settlements in Palestinian Land)

Background

The General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church has advocated alongside coalitions of interfaith and secular organizations for a just peace in the Holy Land. Especially since October 7, 2023, Church and Society has prioritized advocating for a durable ceasefire, building a base of champions to resist arms sales, avoiding a regional war, and addressing root causes of violence including settler violence and displacement.

“The church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes. We yearn for the day when there will be no more war and people will live together in peace and justice.” (The United Methodist 2025-2028 Social Principles, The Political Community, Government Responsibilities, F., War and Military Service)

Actions You Can Take

  • Learn more about the situation in Israel and Palestine. Stand with Palestinian Christians by taking action with organizations like United Methodists for Kairos Response at www.kairosresponse.org and read the Kairos Document, a call by Palestinian Christians to Christians around the world to help fight the Israeli occupation.

  • Participate in non-violent economic measures that will aid in ending the occupation, support investments in the Palestinian economy, and join in activities that will help bring peace to both Palestinians and Israelis.

  • Meet with your elected officials to advocate for a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

  • Consider hosting a church study using the new Pages for Progress Book Study Guide featuring the book “Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible through Palestinian Eyes” by Mitri Raheb.

  • Sign up for email alerts focused on Israel and Palestine at https://www.umcjustice.org/.