Statement Concerning Gaza, Israel, The West Bank and East Jerusalem – July 2025: from Baptists Together, BMS World Mission and Baptist Union of Wales
Baptists Together, BMS World Mission and Baptist Union of Wales never usually comment on political situations due to the diverse nature of the Baptist family. However, in light of the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Gaza, they have released a statement. Please read it, as any attempt to summarize it here will not do it justice. This morning (Sunday 3rd August 2025) at South Molton Baptist Church we heard the message below as BMS Head of Mission’s Arthur Brown explains the background of this statement.
Additional background/perspectives
We listened to the moving words from Shireen Hilal, a Director from Bethlehem Bible College, candidly sharing the intense pain she feels as a Palestinian Christian living through the war, as someone who has lost loved ones in the conflict, and as someone who has witnessed the complete rupture to reconciliation programmes that used to encourage conversation between Israel and Palestine.
We also heard Rani Saba, General Director of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel talks about his multi-faceted identity as an Arab, Israeli, Palestinian, Nazarene — and above all, Christian, and what from his perspective this means for his role standing for peace in the region.
Once again, please take the time to read the statement. If you want those words to be your words then add your name to the petition at the bottom of the statement calling for governments with influence to help bring about an immediate end to these atrocities. Specifically, we call for:
- An immediate and permanent bilateral ceasefire in Gaza.
- The release of all hostages.
- Unconditional access for humanitarian aid to enter the whole of Gaza, including immediate access to water, food, medicine and electricity.
- Widespread affirmation of the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis to exist and to live in peace and security, recognising this as a foundational principle of international law and a prerequisite for any lasting peace.
- An end to the development of illegal settlements in the Palestinian Territories.
- The acknowledgment of the reality of apartheid and unimpeded access and support for international accountability mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other appropriate humanitarian and legal institutions, to conduct truly independent investigations into all war crimes and crimes against humanity, to ensure accountability.
- Support for the resilience and witness of Christian churches and communities, upholding their right to remain on their land and to freely practice their faith.
- The UK Government to end all arms sales to Israel, until it can be independently verified that they are not being used to violate international humanitarian law. We urge the UK Government to use all diplomatic channels to establish a just peace and a hopeful and secure future for all in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
Baptists Together, BMS World Mission and Baptist Union of Wales also call on their Baptist churches to:
- Engage in deep listening to those impacted by this, and other wars – making a choice to open our eyes and ears to all who suffer. (Ecclesiastes 4: 1, Proverbs 21: 13)
- Stand fervently against antisemitism and islamophobia. Repenting where these sins have infiltrated our own lives, while acting to bridge divisions and work towards peace, understanding, compassion and reconciliation across wider society. (Matthew 22: 37-39, Romans 12: 18)
- Persistently pray for peace. (Matthew 5: 9, 1 Timothy 2: 1–2)
- Write to our MPs, advocating for the rights of the oppressed. (Proverbs 31: 8-9)
- Offer practical support, however we are able. (Micah 6: 8, Matthew 25: 40, 45)
Finally, we (Baptists Together, BMS World Mission and Baptist Union of Wales) commit to deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by Israelis and the Palestinian people. To continue to listen, pray, speak and act for justice. To partner alongside trusted friends within and beyond our extended Baptist family, to amplify our voice in the public square and to welcome accountability for our own actions and inactions.