Humanitarian Response in Gaza
In December 2023, Commons Church responded to the emerging humanitarian crisis that had resulted from the war in Gaza. Together, we raised more than $10,000 to help CARE Canada respond to the crisis, with a particular focus on maternal health in areas where hospitals had been damaged or shutdown. We have received ongoing reports about the work our fundraising has enabled.
Sadly, the conflict continues.
“Gaza has endured over seven months of devastating conflict, resulting in severe humanitarian crises. At least 36,050 people have been killed, 81,026 injured, and more than 10,000 are missing, with 52% of the casualties being women and children. Over 70% of housing units are destroyed or damaged, displacing about 1.7 million people to overcrowded shelters lacking proper sanitation and clean water.”
Below are some figures communicating the scope of the response CARE has engaged and you can read their full report using the link below.
While the work of CARE, with the support of Commons, is important, the violence in Gaza has not subsided, and so we continue to call and pray for peace. Our crisis response fund remains open to receive donations for Gaza and 100% of those funds will be directed to CARE Canada to continue their work in the area. We have also worked with Global Personnel from our denomination’s Middle East/Northern Africa Region to develop the following statement:
Response to the War between Israel and Hamas
The war between Israel and Hamas is not only a tragedy for the residents of the Holy Land, but increasingly, it is becoming a crisis for the church. What follows seeks to be guided by the authority of God’s Word and Jesus, who is the Head of the church. In response to the current realities, we confess and affirm the following:
a) Every person is loved by God and is created in his image. (Genesis 1:27)
b) The consistent biblical imperative is to live rightly with all people
-Exodus 23:4 Return a wandering donkey to your enemy
-Leviticus 19:9-10 Leave the corners of your field for the poor
-Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
-Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers
c) Jesus’ call to love our enemies and pray for them is not optional. (Matthew 5:43-44)
Considering these biblical truths:
We confess that too often, the church has mimicked the voice of political or social society more than the voice and example of Jesus.
We confess that as part of the “Western church,” we have contributed in negative and painful ways to this war and the long conflict that preceded the current crisis.
We lament the killing of Israeli civilians on October 7th, 2023 and the ongoing killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
We lament the hatred that leads to the killing of any who are created in God’s image, including the leaders and combatants on all sides of the conflict.
We lament the corruption as well as the unjust structures and actions that add to the pain and trauma experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians.
We resolve to resist the temptations to look away from this tragedy and become apathetic in our comfort and safety.
We resolve to pray that the peace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit would come to all in the region through the godly work of His church.
We resolve to live as followers of Jesus, individually and corporately as churches, and to actively pursue a just peace, seeking justice and human flourishing for all who are connected to this tragic war.
We resolve to risk courageous, open-handed conversations with brothers and sisters in Christ who pursue just peace, regardless of any discomfort to us and our perspectives.
We resolve that when this war has ended, we will not move on without listening to those in the region and accepting their invitation to partner toward a good and godly future.
