WCC Central Committee Calls for End to Apartheid, Occupation, and Impunity in Palestine and Israel

The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee expressed “deep lamentation and outrage” as the crisis in Palestine and Israel escalates to levels that, according to its statement, flagrantly violate international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the most basic principles of morality.

The statement distinguishes between the Jewish people, whom it calls “our siblings in faith,” and the acts of the Government of Israel. It says the WCC “stands firm against any kind of racism, including antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, and islamophobia.” It also cites “the unbearable suffering inflicted on the people of Gaza” and “the escalating violence and oppression in the West Bank and in Jerusalem” as reasons the global fellowship of churches must speak “with clarity, urgency, and commitment to the principles of justice under international law and ethics.”

The WCC reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, and to international law as a framework for peace, justice, and accountability.

The statement calls for naming the reality of apartheid. “We recognize and denounce the system of apartheid imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people, in violation of international law and moral conscience,” the text reads. It also calls on states, churches, and international institutions “to impose consequences for violations of international law, including targeted sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes,” and says “full support must be given to the International Criminal Court and UN mechanisms investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

The statement affirms Palestinian rights and freedom, justice, return, and self-determination. “We demand the end of the occupation and the lifting of the unlawful blockade on Gaza,” the text reads. It further calls for support for the resilience and witness of Palestinian Christian churches and communities, “upholding their right to remain on their land and to freely practice their faith,” a call to speak for those who cannot easily protect themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).

The statement commends the leadership of the South African government in seeking justice and accountability under international law through the International Court of Justice, and urges all states to comply with the court’s rulings. “Churches worldwide are called to witness, to speak out, and to act,” the statement concludes. The WCC central committee is convening 18-24 June in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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