Dear friends
In response to the escalating bloodshed in Gaza, the Council of Churches joins peace-loving governments and international ecumenical organizations in calling for an internationally-guaranteed ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Churches will work with the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches to work for a negotiated settlement that will assure a just and lasting peace to both Palestinians and Israelis.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the churches will be raising funds for assisting in the urgent relief work.
Kindly consider the statement for publication and for wider circulation.
Thank you for your cooperation.
regards,
Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
General Secretary,
Council of Churches of Malaysia
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MAJLIS GEREJA-GEREJA MALAYSIA
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA
No. 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: 03-79608926 Fax: 03-79560353 E-Mail: cchurchm@streamyx.com
Call for an Immediate Israeli-Palestinian Ceasefire
The violent carnage cannot go on! The killing and injuring of innocent civilians in Gaza as well as and in Israel must stop.
Israeli airstrikes must end along with further threats of increased military action. Palestinian militant groups must also cease all current and future attacks on Israel. Violence only breeds more violence and impedes the path that leads to lasting peace.
The "right to self defense" can never be an excuse to inflict violence and wanton destruction to civilian communities. It is morally unjustifiable and it is against international law.
The CCM supports the call of the World Council of Churches for an immediate negotiated ceasefire between the political leaders in Israel and Gaza.
They must ensure that all measures are taken to protect civilians and for international relief agencies to have unfettered access to provide the humanitarian aid urgently required.
The CCM also supports the call of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, for the United Nations to hold a special session on resolving the current crisis in Gaza.
The CCM calls upon all its member churches to pray for the progress of peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, with the accompaniment and full support of peace-loving countries around the world.
The CCM also calls upon all powerful nations of the West to exert pressure to stop Israel from using violence disproportionately executed upon the helpless Palestinians.
A special Gaza Humanitarian Fund has been set-up in order that churches can contribute generously to help churches in Gaza to assist in humanitarian relief by funds provided by international Christian funders.
Cheques are to be made out in favour of
"Council of Churches of Malaysia"
And to be written at the back
"Gaza Humanitarian Relief Funds"
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
General Secretary
Council of Churches of Malaysia
Date: 8th January 2009