A pastoral word on the Israeli attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza

With deep grief and righteous anger, we join voices with Christian communities and people of conscience around the world to condemn the deadly attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza. A sacred place of refuge became a site of death this week when Israeli military forces reportedly struck the church compound, killing three civilians who had sought safety within its walls and injuring several others, including the parish priest.

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This attack comes amid the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza — a relentless assault that has left tens of thousands dead, many more wounded and countless families displaced. Access to basic necessities like food, water and medicine has been choked off, leaving civilians in unimaginable suffering.

We are also alarmed by recent reports of violence targeting Christians in the West Bank town of Taybeh, including attacks on homes, property and the ancient Christian community there. These acts are part of a broader pattern of harassment and violence against Palestinian civilians — Muslims and Christians alike — by extremist Israeli settlers, often carried out with impunity.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) stands with all who suffer in Gaza, the West Bank and across the region — people of every faith and background — whose lives are threatened by war, occupation, displacement and violence. We lament the targeting of civilians and houses of worship, acts that violate international law and desecrate our shared humanity.

As followers of Jesus Christ — the Prince of Peace — we proclaim that true security can never be built on the suffering of the innocent. We reject narratives that dehumanize Palestinians, justify collective punishment and silence the cries of those caught in the crossfire of injustice.

We call upon:

• The government of Israel to cease attacks on civilians, protect religious sites and end the occupation that fuels cycles of violence
• The United States government to stop military aid that enables indiscriminate violence and to uphold human rights and international law
• Churches and communities worldwide to lift their voices in prayer, witness and action on behalf of all those who suffer the horrors of war and oppression.

In this dark hour, we cling to the promise that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). May our prayers, words, and actions bear faithful witness to that light.

Let us pray:

God of justice and mercy,
We cry out to you for Gaza — where lives are shattered, families destroyed, and hope is dimming under relentless assault. Comfort those who mourn, heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable. Break through the walls of hatred and fear that fuel such devastation.

We lift up the people of Taybeh and all in the West Bank facing threats, displacement and violence. Shelter them with your peace. Give courage and strength to those working for justice in the face of fear and intimidation.

We pray for the people of Israel — those grieving, those living in fear, those longing for a peace that seems ever elusive. Lead them away from vengeance and toward a future built on justice, dignity and reconciliation.

Strengthen all who dare to seek peace, to speak truth, and to bind up the brokenhearted. Let your light pierce this present darkness, and may we — your people — be faithful instruments of your peace in a world aching for healing.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our hope. Amen.