The United Reformed Church (URC) will be relaunching its Gaza Appeal initiative in partnership with the Methodist Church in Britain, under the name, “Gaza/Lebanon Justice Appeal”. The project will be supported by All We Can, an international development and relief organisation.
The Revd Philip Brooks, URC Deputy General Secretary (Mission), explained, “Given the desperate humanitarian crisis experienced by the people of Gaza and Lebanon, it is good for the URC and its global justice programme, ‘Commitment for Life’, to join with our Methodist ecumenical partners and All We Can in support of this vital appeal.
“In the face of overwhelming force and deep injustice, we hope to bring ecumenical solidarity and practical support to help alleviate the plight of so many people who are enduring conflict in this region.”
Jude Levermore, Head of Mission for the Methodist Church, added, “We are called to be co-workers for God’s mission of reconciliation and justice, to act and serve among fragile humanity.
“We believe the crucified Christ is embracing the pain of war affecting people from all parties and backgrounds and we feel compelled therefore to act together with care and compassion. We wait for sanity to prevail but in the meantime, we stand with our partners in solidarity and give what we can.”
The Methodist Liaison Office (MLO) based in Jerusalem works alongside several partners in Gaza, including the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees which is part of the Near East Council of Churches (NECC) and the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre which opened a clinic in Gaza early on during the conflict. The URC is a long-standing partner of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon which is working in the region following IDF airstrikes.
Funds raised will be collected by The Methodist Church World Mission Fund and will be shared directly with partners working in the area.
in the name of the wonderful counselor and the prince of peace. Amen.