The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is deeply concerned over escalating violence and daily clashes in East Jerusalem, in particular confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount.
The LWF stands in full support with its member church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar, denouncing the violation of the Status Quo agreement, which guarantees the three religions, and two people access to their holy sites during religious celebrations.
Up to now, hundreds of Palestinians have been injured and hospitalized. The LWF is further dismayed by the threatened eviction of Palestinian families by Israeli settlers in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. These incidents coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The situation is aggravated by the controversial 10 May Jewish flag march through the Old City and the Muslim Quarter. Despite the government of Israel’s decision to bar Jews from entering the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount, tensions are high and provocations continue.
In light of the last days’ clashes, the LWF-operated Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives has increased its emergency response capacity. AVH stands ready to receive and treat injured individuals as per need.
In 2019, the LWF Council expressed its disapproval of unilateral measures taken in relation to Jerusalem as well as increased demolitions of homes and other structures and the expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The Council reiterated its position on a two-state solution, following the negotiated resolution of all final status issues and the end of the occupation, the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, and peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
LUTHERISCHER WELTBUND P.O: Box 2100, Route de Ferney 150, CH-1211 Geneva 2 FÉDÉRATION LUTHÉRIENNE MONDIALE Tel. +41/22-791 61 11, E-Mail media@lutheranworld.org FEDERACIÓN LUTERANA MUNDIAL
With Bishop Azar, the LWF urges all parties involved to respect the Status Quo, act responsibly and calmly, and to preserve human life at all costs.
The LWF calls upon its member churches to:
• Urge their respective governments to multi-laterally work towards a peaceful
resolution of the conflict
• Continue to pray and advocate for the ELCJHL, AVH and their respective
ministries
• Continue to pray and advocate for reconciliation and peace with justice, for
Jerusalem and all its residents—Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, Palestinian and Israeli.
The Lutheran World Federation is a global communion of 148 churches in the Lutheran tradition, representing over 75 million Christians in 99 countries. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication and the various aspects of mission and development.
