United Methodists are praying for peace in the Middle East. Israel declared war on Hamas after the militant Palestinian group invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

United Methodists pray for peace in the Middle East

Our United Methodist Bishops call on “all United Methodists to renew a deepened commitment to pray for those who have been injured, abducted, or killed, and to deepen our prayers for those who have suddenly lost a loved one.”

As Christians “we believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We therefore reject war as an instrument of national foreign policy.” (2016 Book of Discipline, Social Principles ¶165.C). See some of the ways United Methodist leaders, organizations and individuals are responding to the war in the Middle East.

More about our view of war

SUPPORT those affected by the war

UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery

RESOURCES

Ways United Methodists can talk together about war and peace

Social Media Graphics

Use these coordinating graphics to post on your social media channels and website. There are two designs and each version is available in several sizes.

Light shines in the darkness (Jn. 1:5)

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God is our refuge (Ps. 46:1)

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Statements

UMC Coucil of Bishops: Call to Prayer and Action
Global Ministries of The UMC: Joint statement on the attacks in Israel
United Methodist General Board of Church & Society: Tell U.S. Congress to Pursue Peace in The Middle East
World Council of Churches: Church leaders in Holy Land call for de-escalation, respect for human rights