SCM Solidarity Statement on Palestine/Israel

Passed by consensus of SCM National Board (January 14, 2009)
SCM Canada has joined with numerous faith groups to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and Palestine and calls on all Canadian and world leaders to actively pursue initiatives toward ceasefire and peaceful reconciliation in that area. As SCM Canada, we are expressing our solidarity by participating in the numerous peace demonstrations taking place across the country, committing ourselves to prayerful study of the issues at hand, and bearing witness to the death and destruction in the area in a spirit of faithful accompaniment. We call on all people of faith to raise awareness about the issues at hand and to actively pursue strategies to work for peace in this area. We recognize that we live in an interconnected world and extend our deepest sympathies to those affected directly by this situation in our own communities, particularly those who fear the death of or are concerned for the safety of family and friends in the area. Additionally, we demand that this conflict not hamper interfaith dialogue, as it demonstrates for a greater need for understanding and relationship across lines of faith, culture, and ethnicity, both in Canada and abroad. Also, in our globalized world, economic ties of industries and corporations link us more directly than we may be aware and we commit to study of these connections and the various interests at hand. Additionally, as SCM Canada, we join with Gower Street United Church [in St. John's, Newfoundland] and have signed our name to their petition stating the following:
We the undersigned are deeply concern over the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over 700 people, at least half of them being innocent civilians and about 100 of them children, have already perished and many more are still suffering needlessly. We are herby calling our MPs to pressure the government to act decisively within the global community to end this terrible situation. There is little or no access to potable water, food, medical supplies, electricity and safe shelter. Intense international pressure will be the key gaining a ceasefire in the region. Therefore, we the citizens of Newfoundland and Canada demand that our government join the voices already calling out for justice. Be advocate of peace and stability in the Middle East by pressuring those in positions of authority to rectify these inhuman conditions. International supervision is desperately needed at the borders, to reopen Gaza's borders and crossings for food, fuel, medicine and goods, to prevent weapons-smuggling (which has only grown under the blockade), and to monitor and enforce the ceasefire on both sides.
SCM members across Canada and around the world continue to watch the situation and we commit to continued evaluation of our position and further statements or actions, as the situation develops. As people of faith, we hold to hope even in these dire circumstances.