The social message on “The Israeli/Palestinian Conflict” was adopted in 1989 and its description of the situation at that time and its specific resolutions for action are dated, yet it continues to provide a basic faith-based orientation to issues of the conflict. This orientation is grounded in our trust in the God revealed in Jesus Christ, who brings peace and desires justice for all. The message calls for confession of Lutheran involvement in past wrongs against the Jewish people, continued prayer and solidarity with all who suffer, the end of human rights abuses against Palestinians in the Israeli occupation, and the need for lengthy, sustained negotiations toward a just and lasting peace.
This message should be read in conjunction with more recent ELCA social policy resolutions and the 2009 ELCA Strategy on the Middle East “Peace Not Walls” that guide discernment and action in light of contemporary developments in the Middle East.
You can read or download the full social message on “The Israeli/Palestinian Conflict.”
