WASHINGTON — Several congregations of women religious and some Catholic organizations are urging the Biden administration “to be an agent for peace and call for a humanitarian ceasefire” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
In an Oct. 20 statement, the group condemned actions of both sides, from the deadly Oct. 7 attacks of and hostage taking by Hamas and Israel’s retaliation that has hit the people of Gaza.
They said they mourned the loss of all life, reaffirming that “each person has been created in the image and likeness of the God of Love. We respond to conflict in accord with commitments to such sacred dignity, to just peace, and to accountability rather than retribution.”
The women religious and national groups urged Congress and the president to “publicly call for de-escalation, humanitarian ceasefire, and restraint by all sides.” They also stressed the need to “prioritize the establishment of corridors for humanitarian aid” for the people in Gaza and take steps to bring about the immediate release of hostages.
“If we continue to send weapons to this conflict, we will increase the dehumanization, destruction, and trauma of all communities involved,” the statement added. It said that while everyone has a right to defend themselves this act can either “perpetuate cycles of violence and trauma, or it can break cycles of violence and trauma.”
The statement emphasized that now, “before more lives are lost and conflict spreads,” is the time for de-escalation and ceasefire.
It also echoed the words of Pope Francis, who said: “War does not solve any problem, it only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future.”
The statement was signed by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Pax Christi USA, Nuns Against Gun Violence, Franciscan Action Network, and dozens of religious congregations.
Some congregations also issued statements on their own against the ongoing conflict.
In an Oct. 13 statement the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas said they were “deeply saddened by the horrific attack on innocent civilians in Israel by Hamas, and the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza by Israel, that already have caused thousands of civilian deaths.
“Our prayers are with the victims and families devastated by this explosion of brutality,” they added.
The sisters pointed out that in these conflicts “women and children are the most vulnerable and the primary victims of the violence and inhumanity.” They also stressed that human life is sacred and prayed for those held hostage by Hamas and those living in Gaza who are threatened by the Israeli government’s decision to cut off access to water, fuel, and electricity.
“We condemn all violence and war,” the sisters said, noting that it “only fuels more violence and represents what Popes John Paul II and Francis lamented as ‘a defeat for humanity.’ ”
Like the joint statement from several congregations, the Mercy Sisters urged the broader community to “continue to participate in good faith in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the violence and avoid the escalation of military actions. All world leaders must step back from the brink in this never-ending cycle of bloodshed and work toward an immediate ceasefire.”
The sisters added: “We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the constant cycle of attacks and reprisal. These are our sisters and brothers; we share a common faith. All are children of God, deserving of a chance to live their lives in peace.”
The Adrian Dominican sisters, who held a Rosary Prayer for Peace Oct. 17 at their motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan, also issued a statement that day echoing Pope Francis’ call for a “meek and holy force” of prayer to end the ongoing violence.