http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/gaza-war-2023-s445.pngWisconsin clergy, retired clergy, and lay persons from more than six denominations have convened as Wisconsin Christians for Justice in Palestine to decry the horrific killing of children in Gaza and call on people of conscience to demand immediate ceasefire.

MILWAUKEE - In response to the unfolding horrors of the maiming and killing of innocent children by the thousands in the Gaza Strip, Wisconsin clergy, retired clergy, and lay persons from more than six denominations have convened as Wisconsin Christians for Justice in Palestine to join worldwide demands for an immediate ceasefire.

They call on Wisconsin’s elected officials, faith leaders, and all people of conscience to defend the sanctity of human life and demonstrate love for the entire human family by doing everything possible to stop the bombing and provide life-saving humanitarian aid to suffering people.

Wisconsin Christians for Justice in Palestine is composed of persons of faith who are deeply concerned about the taking of innocent life in the prosecution of the war and the clear violations of international law. In the words of Rev. Dr. Lisa Bates-Froiland of Redeemer Lutheran Church, “Three of the four Christian gospels record Jesus taking special care to emphasize the inherent value of children: ‘let the children come to me and do not hinder them’. The number of civilians dead—3500 of them children—is reprehensible beyond words and cannot be considered ‘defense’. The killing must stop: Ceasefire now!”

Wisconsin Christians for Justice in Palestine objects to unreflective American support – in words and taxpayer dollars – for the Israeli Defense Force’s prosecution of a war without regard for the lives of children and innocent human beings.

“Over these many years, as I served a congregation in Milwaukee, we have come together as Christians, Jews, and Muslims to build relationships and trust in order to address issues of mutual care and need, beyond politics. Now we must continue to care for our children, our youth, and indeed, all those who seek safe home and stability here and in the Holy Lands,” says Reverend Karen Hagen of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). “Jesus clarifies this for Christians with the great commandment to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'. We must now come together to love all of our neighbors as ourselves, to stop the genocide and all atrocities, and to call for an immediate cease fire. This is the most faithful way to find our way through this time, together.”

Wisconsin Christians for Justice in Palestine has joined the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine, a broad coalition of 38 Wisconsin organizations that work for peace and justice.