Major international Christian organizations have issued a joint statement in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire. The statement was published on the World Council of Churches' website.

Eight international church bodies, including the World Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and the World Methodist Council, signed the statement. These organizations represent hundreds of Protestant and Eastern Christian churches worldwide and often advocate jointly on humanitarian and peacekeeping issues.

The statement arises from the recent outbreak of war following strikes by the US and Israel against Iran and the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28. In retaliation, Iran launched counterattacks, leading to a rapid escalation of the conflict across the region.

The authors of the statement warn that further escalation could have severe humanitarian consequences for the entire Middle East. They highlight the suffering of civilians, the destruction of civil infrastructure, and the rising number of refugees as already pressing issues.

Particular concern was voiced regarding reports of civilian casualties, including a missile strike on a school in the Iranian city of Minab. The statement emphasizes that all parties involved must adhere to international humanitarian law and avoid striking civilian targets.

The document also addresses the spread of the conflict to other countries in the region. According to church organizations, military actions have intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have increased, affecting several Gulf states and neighboring countries experiencing the consequences of retaliatory attacks.

The authors of the statement further stress that the war jeopardizes the lives of Christian communities in the Middle East. In a region already plagued by armed conflicts and mass displacements for many years, renewed escalation could lead to further exoduses of Christians and the destruction of church life.

“We call for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of diplomatic negotiations,” states the appeal. The signatories note that the Christian tradition views peace as a moral and spiritual imperative, while war is considered a tragedy incompatible with God’s design for humanity.

In conclusion, representatives of international Christian organizations have urged churches and believers worldwide to pray for peace in the Middle East and an end to the violence in the region.