Recent and continuing attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and subsequent attacks by Iran on other neighbouring nations, greatly increase conflict and violence in a region of the world where we hear from our partners that there is already immense suffering.

Living Faith affirms “that God is at work when people are ashamed of the inhumanity of war and work for peace with justice.” The inhumanity of war and armed conflict includes not only the deaths of all those killed in the fighting—whether they were participating in the fighting itself or not—but also trauma that can linger for generations from displacement, hunger, separation of families, and lives upended. In the context of the 1991 Gulf War, the church said that “a military solution in itself is no solution to international conflict” (A&P 1991, p.300, 57). We reiterate that sentiment in this present context. Along with the World Council of Churches , we pray and urge that disputes between states be resolved through dialogue, consultation, and adherence to international law, and repeat their four calls that there be :

  • An immediate cessation of all military actions.
  • The protection of civilian populations and critical infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law.
  • The urgent resumption of diplomatic engagement and political dialogue through established international and regional mechanisms.
  • Coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation and to restore stability.

War destroys lives while creating intergenerational anger and broken trust that contribute to further cycles of violence. While the church confesses that there exist and are tolerated theologies that lead to violence and do not support peace, we acknowledge that peaceful co-existence, to which we are all called, is based on treating people as equals in the eyes of God. (“Theology of Peacemaking” statement, A&P 1994, pp. 358-359, 29).

Jesus taught us, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Wholistic peacemaking is what is needed not only in this present war involving Iran, but also with regard to the roots of the conflict, which are spread throughout the region. And in all things, and amidst all fears, we pray to Christ who is the Prince of Peace.

Just God who desires healing for the people of all nations,
Prince of Peace
Spirit of truth and holiness
bring peace to places of violence and war
especially in and around Iran.
Inspire those who have power to use wisdom and mercy,
soften the hearts of politicians and religious leaders to act with compassion,
guard and protect the vulnerable and scared,
comfort those who are suffering and in pain,
console those who are afraid and who mourn,
strengthen those who serve and provide care,
and bring peace to the world you love,
in the strong name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray,
Amen.

For the ecumenical statement by the World Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, World Methodist Council, Mennonite World Conference, Christian Conference of Asia, and ACT Alliance, please read here .Christian organizations are jointly expressing deep concern regarding the humanitarian and social impacts, and the threat the widening conflict poses to peace and security in the region and the world.

Resources reflecting on peacemaking and detailing the church’s history of advocacy against armed conflict can be found on the Peacemaking page of the Social Action Hub.