United Church of Christ and Christian Church issue joint Easter message lamenting Middle East tragedy and rejoicing in resurrection hope
By Gwen
Posted Oct 26, 2026 at 2:18 PM
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ (UCC) have issued a joint message during Holy Week, expressing both grief and hope regarding the situation in the Middle East. The two churches, members of the World Council of Churches (WCC), released their statement on 10 April, emphasizing the shared Christian tradition of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings.
The message reflects a dual tone of sorrow and optimism, acknowledging the ongoing suffering in the region while affirming the enduring hope of Easter. It calls for the realization of love of God and love of neighbor, values common to the faith traditions in the Middle East. The statement, signed by Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins of the Disciples and Rev. Dr John Dorhauer of the UCC, underscores the need for peace and justice in the region.
The churches lament the persistent tragedies in the Middle East, noting that Christians and all people in the region continue to face pain and suffering. They specifically mention the recent violence in Egypt and Syria, including the 9 April attacks on Coptic Orthodox churches in Tanta and Alexandria, which killed 45 people and injured over 100. The churches also condemn the chemical attack in Khan Shaikhoun, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of more than 80 residents and affected many others.
In addition, the two churches criticize the 6 April military action by the Trump administration, calling it a violation of international law and U.S. Congressional oversight. Their condemnation highlights the ongoing tensions and conflicts that continue to impact the region.
The statement references Luke 19:37 & 41-42, where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting that its people did not recognize the path to peace. This biblical passage serves as a poignant reminder of the longing for justice and reconciliation in the Middle East. The churches use this reference to underscore their call for peace and the realization of God’s love in the region.
Source: Read the original report
Gwen
Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.
