Presbyterian leaders speak to the situation in Gaza and Israel

The leaders of the Presbyterian Church have issued a brief statement on the violence in Gaza and Israel.

December 30, 2008
Even as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we are anguished by stories of violence and conflict once again in Gaza. Citizens and soldiers, young people and old are wounded and killed. We see how violence begets violence, as an eye for an eye leads not to peace, but to deeper blindness. We pray fervently for peace, for a New Year marked by a willingness and commitment to put violence aside and a desire and dedication to seek new relationships of peace. We pray that governments and leaders here and there and around the world will use whatever influence they may have as peacemakers, and that
we, too will have courage and faith to pray without ceasing and to be agents of justice and peace for all.

• Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator
• Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk
• Linda Valentine, Executive Director, General Assembly Council