Alerts Sign-up
A new resource titled “The Road from Ceasefire to Peace” has been released by the United Church of Christ Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCC MPS). The document addresses the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, stating that a ceasefire alone is not equivalent to achieving peace. UCC MPS describes its publication as a roadmap for advocacy and solidarity within the United Church of Christ, created at a time when a ceasefire declared in October was seen as a step toward ending violence, though hostilities and humanitarian challenges persist.
The resource builds on the 2021 General Synod resolution called “Declaration for a Just Peace Between Israel and Palestine.” According to UCC MPS, this resolution provides "a theological framework, consistent with international law and human rights norms, for meaningful and enduring peace in the region based on justice rather than military domination. It serves as a plumb line against which to assess any peace process and proposals, and becomes particularly relevant as the Trump and Netanyahu administrations outline a way forward which they seek to impose on Palestinians."
UCC MPS also states that "A true roadmap toward a just peace requires the affirmation of the human dignity of all parties and rejects schemes which simply create a more insidious occupation, provide corrupt economic opportunities to powerful outside business interests, or advance the annexation agenda.”
Founded in 2012 under the name UCC Palestine Israel Network, UCC MPS works to promote justice for Palestinians while supporting Global Ministries partners in Palestine and Israel.
Peter Makari, global relations minister for Middle East and Europe at Global Ministries—which represents joint mission work between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ—emphasized listening to Palestinian partners. Makari stated: “The statement from the UCC’s Movement for Palestinian Solidarity is strong and clear, reminding us of the General Synod’s 2021 resolution, amplified by this summer’s resolution on ending the genocide. The voices of our Palestinian partners – partnerships we have nurtured for decades – have been clear for a long time and especially urgent now: that the rights of Palestinians must be upheld. Such a perspective is a moral and theological position. The UCC MPS statement lifts up the dual imperative: to end the genocide, and to address core issues that have been unresolved for far too long. Our accompaniment of our partners there includes our advocacy and witness, as well as centering their voices, and supporting their critical work.”
UCC MPS continues its grassroots efforts advocating justice for Palestinians through educational resources such as “Costly Solidarity for Disciples: A Toolkit for Action,” furthering its commitment established since its founding.
