Clergy members speak out on Gaza - The Jewish Standard

We the undersigned, all having deep religious ties to the Holy Land and people of the Middle East, are pained by the escalating violence and human tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian and Arab-Israeli conflicts. We recognize the legitimate needs of all people for dignity, peace, safety, and security, regardless of religion, race, or national origin. We issue this joint statement with the prayer that our united voices of faith will be heard, above the din of war.

We applaud Israel, Hamas, and all intermediaries who have achieved a cease-fire in Gaza. We call for an enduring cease-fire that will include an end to all rocket attacks on Israel, an end to military action in Gaza, and the restoration of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

We call on all parties engaged in the Israeli-Palestinian and Arab-Israeli conflicts to work sincerely and vigorously toward a just and lasting peace that addresses and promotes the aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. We call on President Obama to assert U.S. leadership facilitating a diplomatic resolution to this devastating conflict.

As people of faith, we pray for peace in our world. We pledge to work together bringing about an age where all of God’s children live together in true and everlasting harmony.

The Rev. Thomas J. Bartha

Pompton Reformed Church, Pompton Lakes

The Rev. Malachia Brantley, Jr. M.Div

Shiloh Baptist Church, Newark

First Reader Joseph Brensinger

Christian Science Church, Pompton Lakes

Sister Mary Byrnes, PBVM

Principal

St. Mary’s Parish School,

Pompton Lakes

The Rev. Kathleen Edwards Chase

First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains