Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine has been formed in response to the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people, both in Gaza and the West Bank. We are an interdenominational movement with members from around Aotearoa, including from within the Wellington Diocese.

We recognise that the Western church has been largely silent regarding the crimes being committed daily against the people of Palestine and are seeking to build a movement addressing this silence. 

We have penned an open letter and are seeking signatures from both individual Christians and also churches and faith-based organisations. A number of clergy, lay leaders and congregation members from within the Wellington Diocese have already signed the letter. +Justin has signed on, as has the community of St Tom's, Newtown.

The major points the letter advocates for are as follows:

• An immediate and sustained ceasefire, and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories, as well as the negotiation and return of civilian captives on both sides.

• An immediate end to the siege of Gaza and free movement of humanitarian aid - food, water, fuel and medical supplies.

• An end to the illegal military occupation, blockade, and ongoing confiscation of Palestinian land and homes, and to advocate for a lasting peace that recognises the rights of all peoples to self-determination and sovereignty. 

• A commitment to assist in the rebuilding and ongoing support of health infrastructure in Gaza.

We are encouraged that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the New Zealand government and the UN General Assembly have called for a ceasefire. However, this is only the first step and there is significant further action needed to address the crisis.

Here is the link to the open letter:

https://tinyurl.com/christiansforpeace