Mar 15, 2026
3 min read
Faced with escalating conflicts and wars in the Middle East, 4 Reformed churches have issued a joint appeal for peace.
Statement by the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran Federation, the World Union of Reformed Churches and the World Methodist Council on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Myanmar (English original, 5 March 2026).
As a global Christian community, the Church of England, the Lutheran World Federation, the Communications of the World Reformed Churches and the World Methodist Council, representing hundreds of millions of Christians around the world, unite in a sad and uncomplaining decision.We witness the devastating effects of violence and war on countless people and communities around the world.In response, we are committed to concrete actions for solidarity, humanitarian aid and peacebuilding through our regular activities and the ministries of our local churches and partners.
The recent escalation and escalation of conflict in Iran and the Middle East adds to an already painful list of violent conflicts and conflicts, including in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Myanmar.
We are deeply disappointed by the failure of the international community to prevent this tragedy.Instead of pursuing the difficult but necessary path of diplomacy and dialogue, countries are increasingly resorting to military solutions, investing enormous resources in weapons rather than peace processes and humanitarian aid to the vulnerable.
Justice requires accountability for the actions of individuals and states responsible for violence and atrocities and violations of international law.Victims of their actions should be heard and their dignity, rights, lives and livelihoods protected.
In the current international situation, "peace is no longer wanted as a gift or desire... On the contrary, armed peace is wanted as a condition for the preservation of sovereignty."We return here to the words of Pope Leo XVI who said in his speech to the diplomatic corps at the beginning of this year.If the basis of peace is beneficial, this poses a serious threat to the rule of law, the harmony of the people and the unity of the states.
As long as old wars do not subside, new ones will arise.The world is approaching a dangerous tipping point where violence becomes the norm and the death and suffering of people and communities is tolerated.
We reaffirm our commitment to peace in a world that is increasingly armed and that accepts destructive wars as inevitable.We envision a world in which peace is valued and actively developed, based on our shared values of the dignity and worth of every person and the equal rights of all peoples and all nations, large and small, with justice and respect for international law.
The peace the world wants is not just the absence of war, nor is it a peace imposed through coercion and domination.It cannot be negotiated with the highest bidder.Peace is not for sale.It is a peace that includes justice and it transforms our collective culture.Peace is the presence of justice, dignity and prosperity for all God's children.
We reiterate our commitment to support and support the multilateral cause: countries around the world pursuing the same goal of justice, peace and stability based on the principles of integration, equality and cooperation.The main role of the United Nations is this: it is important to bring peace and justice to enable meetings and discussions among all peoples of the world.Unfortunately, this is how diplomacy, mediation and international law are often at odds.
Although it is important to improve and reform the international structures and practices of international governance, we ask that this be done in spirit.
in entertaining and rediscovering, not tiring of skeptics.This approach will allow multilateralism to regain the strength it needs to fulfill its role in encounter and reconciliation.
In our faith tradition, we find ourselves in the season of Lent and before Easter, a cycle of reflection that includes suffering, fear, and the destruction of good things.Our Christian faith teaches us that such moments can be faced with courage and integrity;the path is not easy, but restoration and reconstruction are possible.
We call on national governments, regional intergovernmental bodies, the United Nations, international organizations and all stakeholders to invest in peace, not war.
We call for greater support for humanitarian aid and protection of affected communities, as well as for strengthening peace development at the local level, recognizing the key role of local communities, civil society and faith-based organizations in conflict prevention and rebuilding societies.
As churches, we pledge to be tireless advocates for transformative peace.We continue to pray for victims of war, advocate for justice before political leaders, and serve those affected by conflict through our dual ministries.
We seek to educate our members on the ethics of peace and challenge narratives of hate and hostility in our society.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Reverend Anthony Fogo,
General Secretary of the Anglican Communion
Galpara.Dr. Anne Burghardt,
General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation
His Excellency Philip Vinod Peacock,
Secretary General of the World Community of Reformed Churches (VCRC).
Reverendu Figlia Reynaldo Ferreira Leo Neto,
Secretary General of the World Methodology Council
