Anglican Bishops of Wellington Support Clergy Actions in Call for Stronger Government Action for Peace in the Holy Land

We stand in solemn solidarity with clergy across the Diocese who have taken a courageous and principled stand in calling for sanctions against Israel, in the hope that our government will take stronger diplomatic action to end the devastating war in Palestine.

“As followers of Christ, we cannot turn away from suffering,” said Most Reverend Justin Duckworth.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).”

Anglican Priests from the Wellington Diocese, with Fr Gerry Burns, have chained themselves in front of Finance Minister Nicola Willis' Johnsonville office.

We affirm the actions of clergy who, guided by faith and conscience, have spoken out against this horrendous war. Their voices reflect the Gospel’s call to stand with the vulnerable and to seek peace rooted in justice.

Rt Reverend Anashuya Fletcher was in person to support the protest and said, “These clergy are demonstrating moral leadership in calling for political action to end the suffering, starvation and slaughter taking place in the Holy Land.

“We cannot be silent when innocent lives are being destroyed.”

As Bishops of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, we urge the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to consider the actions available to them.

These include:

• Imposing targeted economic measures against those violating international law

• Recognising the State of Palestine as a step toward a two-state solution

• Supporting international accountability mechanisms to investigate war crimes

• Implementing travel bans on foreign leaders complicit in violations

• Affirming the findings of independent human rights monitors

“We call on our leaders to act with moral courage,” said Bishop Justin. “Diplomatic tools must be used to uphold human dignity and international justice.”

We affirm the words of Archbishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem, whose leadership and witness continue to inspire our prayers and our action. His call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the restoration of humanitarian aid must be heard and heeded.

We also echo the urgent plea of the Archbishops and Primates of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia, who have spoken with moral clarity about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. Famine grips the region, with over half a million people facing starvation, and thousands of children suffering from malnutrition. The blockade of aid, the ongoing violence, and the suffering of innocent civilians cry out for us to act with justice, mercy, and peace.

“In times like these, we are reminded of the biblical call to seek justice and pursue peace.” said Bishop Anashuya.

“Let us be a nation that chooses compassion over silence, justice over indifference, and peace over violence.”

ENDS