Statement Concerning Gaza, Israel, The West Bank and East Jerusalem – July 2025
Joint Statement from the Baptists Together Core Leadership Team, BMS World Mission and The Baptist Union of Wales.
There are times when the Church is called to speak — to name suffering, to call out injustice, and to affirm the value and dignity of all people. We acknowledge that, as Baptists, we have not always found it easy to speak clearly in the face of this crisis, and our collective voice has often been quieter than the moment has required. Today, we add our voice to those speaking out, seeking to name the injustices plainly evident in Gaza, Israel and the Palestinian Territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
We recognise that these injustices did not begin on the 7th October 2023, but are part of a much longer history of fear, trauma and violence across the region. We commit ourselves to ongoing listening to those most impacted, acknowledging diverse experiences and perspectives. We refuse, however, to be paralysed by complexity, so we will endeavour to speak and act for peace and justice in the way all those who follow Jesus must.
We affirm the recent statement from the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), of which the Baptist Union of Great Britain is a member, calling to ‘End Apartheid, Occupation, and Impunity in Palestine and Israel’. We too recognize the ‘clear distinction between the Jewish people, our siblings in faith, and the acts of the Government of Israel,’ and echo the commitment of the WCC as it ‘stands against any kind of racism, including antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, and islamophobia’.
We unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas in Israel on the 7th October 2023. There is no defence for killing, maiming and kidnapping innocent civilians. We are deeply troubled by the stories of the released hostages, who have described their ordeals of facing threats and beatings, and living with little food in appalling conditions. It is right that the perpetrators of all these crimes should be held accountable. Our tears, our thoughts and our prayers remain with the friends and families of the 1200 people that were killed in the 7th October attacks, with those who now know their kidnapped friends and relatives to have died or been killed, and with those who live in hope they may yet be reunited with their loved ones.
While acknowledging the trauma of the 7th October attacks, the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza has exponentially escalated civilian suffering. Reports of indiscriminate bombing, murder, sexual violence, torture, forcible transfer, the deliberate blockade of food, water, medical aid, and fuel, the targeting of civilian infrastructure including hospitals, churches, clinics and schools, and the deliberate killing of medical professionals and journalists, signify a catastrophe beyond comprehension.
We are also deeply alarmed by the Israeli Government’s increasing tactics of property destruction, forced displacement, and the development of further settlements, widely considered illegal under international law, in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
We are compelled therefore, to call on all governments with influence to help bring about an immediate end to these atrocities. Specifically, we call for:
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An immediate and permanent bilateral ceasefire in Gaza.
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The release of all hostages.
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Unconditional access for humanitarian aid to enter the whole of Gaza, including immediate access to water, food, medicine and electricity.
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Widespread affirmation of the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis to exist and to live in peace and security, recognizing this as a foundational principle of international law and a prerequisite for any lasting peace.
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An end to the development of illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories.
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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.
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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.
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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.
We also call on our Baptist Churches to:
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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)
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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)
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Persistently pray for peace. (Matthew 5:9, 1 Timothy 2:1–2)
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Write to our MPs, advocating for the rights of the oppressed. (Proverbs 31:8-9)
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Offer practical support, however we are able. (Micah 6:8, Matthew 25:40, 45)
Finally, we 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.
This statement can be downloaded in PDF format from here
The Baptists Together Core Leadership Team (CLT) is an expression of covenant and interdependence for us as Baptists. It draws together many of those offering leadership across our Movement (Regional Team Leaders, College Principals, Specialist Team Leaders, President, Treasurer, General Secretary, the Moderators of Council and the Trustee Board, together with a leader from each of our current priority areas) and its purpose is to perceive what God is doing, to encourage flourishing local churches and to model together what it means to be a Kingdom Movement.
BMS World Mission mobilises people, resources and skills across the Global Church to share the good news of Jesus and practical hope where they’re needed most. They work hand-in-hand with global organisations, mission workers and supporters to share Christ and nurture disciples, alleviate suffering and injustice and enable all God’s people to play their part in his mission.
The Baptist Union of Wales is made up of people and churches in Wales, seeking to follow Jesus together in 21st century Wales, while inheriting the rich history of Baptist witness in Wales. Their aim is to support members in their witness to Jesus in a challenging post Christian context.
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The following people and churches have added their names to this statement. This list was updated on Friday 1 August at 9:00 and will be revised periodically.
ORGANISATIONS
Broadmead Baptist Church, Woodford Green, London
Broadway Baptist church
Broadway Baptist Church, Derby
Broadway Baptist Church, Isle of Man
Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence
Chester Road Baptist Church
Church@themegacentre
Cumbernauld Baptist Church
Ebbsfleet Baptist Church
Emmanuel Group of Churches
Faversham Baptist Church
Fresh Streams
Heaton Baptist Church
Llanwenarth Baptist Church, Govilon, Monmouthshire
Maidstone Baptist Church
New North Road Baptist church
Newhaven Baptist Church
Oadby Baptist Church
Peaceful Borders
Queens Road Baptist Church, Broadstairs
Ross Baptist Church
Ruddington Baptist Church
The Central Baptist Association
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Hitchin
transform.church
Transformational Enterprise Network
Tyndale Baptist Church, Bristol
Union Street Baptist Church, Crewe
Upton upon Severn Baptist Church
Wellspring Church Wirksworth
West Craven Baptist Church
West Lane Baptist Church
Wokingham Baptist Church
INDIVIDUALS
Sally Abadioru
Janet Addis
Yvonne Ainley
Liz Allen
Beth Allison-Glenny
Angela Almond
Bob Almond
Courie Amado
Heather Andrews
Janice Andrews
Terence Andrews
Catherine Ansell
Julie Aylward
Mark Bailey
Mark Bairstow
Kirsten Bairstow Robb
Andrew Baker
Sarah Baker
Liz Banks
Alan Barker
Megan Joy Barker
Deborah Beards
Paul Beards
Alan Beavis
David Beazley
Cecilia Bell
Eleanor Bell
Fran Bellingham
Richard Bellingham
Trudy Benjamin
Clinton Bennett
Keith Bevis
Hazel Beynon
John Beynon
Peter Bill
Christine Bipulprasad
Linda Blake
Susan Blake
Rich Blake-Lobb
Margaret Blakey
Claire Blatchford
Joyce Bleasby
Robert Blyth
Michael I Bochenski
Alison Boddington
Philip Bodey
Simon Bodington
Jo Bodsworth
Jan Bonner
Richard Booker Booker
John Booker
Boucher Boucher
Erica Bowler
Veronica Bradley
Sheila Brazell
Eleanor Brennan
Alison Bridgeland
Lori Brighton
Lucy Brockbank
Charlie Brown
Kevin Graham Brown
Louise Brown
Nyx Brown
Rosaleen Brown
Ruth Brown
Julie Bryan
Paul Buckley
Jackie Buie
Nicky Bull
Ian Bunce
Karen Burn
Dave Burton
Theresa Burton
Jane Butcher
Peter Butcher
Peter Butchers
David Butlin
Alison Campbell
Paul Campion
Chris Canty
Nick Carter
Ann Carter
Anne Cave
Stephen Cave
Martin Ceaser
Paul Chamberlain
Trevor Chamberlain
Joe Chan
David Chapman
Susan Chapman
Alexander Cheprasov
Veronica Churchhouse
Steve Churchhouse
Emilian Cirtina
Wendy Clark
Wayne Clarke
Sue Clements -Jewery
Philip Clements-Jewery
Ineke Clewer
Peter Close
Susan Elizabeth Close
David Cockeram
Susan Cockeram
Bernard Coen
Pat Cole
Bruce Coleman
Geoffrey Colmer
Philomena Commons
Margaret Ann Coney
Helen Coombs
Gaynor Anne Cooper
Stephen Copson
Roy Corker
Gillian Corker
Angela Cowgill
Rowena Cowley
Sndrew Cowley
Liz Cowley
Patricia Cox
Sarah Crane
Rebecca Cretney
Amanda Crocker
Pete Crookall
Janice Cross
Iain Currie
Judith Curtis
Liz Dall
William Davice
Jean Davice
Paul Davidson
Flora Davies
Mark Davison
Mireille Davison
Christine Delivett
Stuart Dennis
Steve Desport
Andrew Diaper
Marcus Dickinson
Barry Dore
Ken Douglas
Steve Dow
Vyvette Dow
Rachel Downey
Andrew Dubock
Jenny Dudgeon
Wayne Dulson
John Dunning
Robert Eadton
Claire Earl
Harry Eastham
Jacqueline Easton
Daniel Eborn
Wendy Edmondson
Elizabeth Edwards
John Edwards
Matthew Edwards
Elizabeth Edwards
Tim Edworthy
Rosemary Elliot
Michael Ellis
Janet Elmore
Jenny Endersby
Ian English
Victoria Etchells
David Evans
Simon Evans-White
Mark Fairweather-Tall
Renyce Fanawopo
Alfred Fanawopo
Matthew Farrow
Matty Fearon
Michael Fegredo
Maggie Fennell (known as Palmer)
Jenny Few
Robert Few
Sarah Fidler
Pat Finlow
Teresa Fisher
Thomas R Fisk
Deborah Fones
Robert Foster
Tim Foster
Tina Foster
Sean Fountain
Ann Marie Fradgley
Chris Friend
Susan Fuller
Gillian Fuller
Paul Gabb
Fiona Gamblin-Holmes
Craig Gardiner
Chris Gardner
Maggy Gardner
Christopher George
Andy Gibbs
Jane Gidney
Louise Gilbertson
Howard Giles
Sarah Giles
Adrian Giles
Ewen Gilhespy
Noreen Gilhespy
Sheena Glanville
John Goddard
Tony Goddard
Andrew Goldsmith
Susan Gollins
Catriona Gorton
Valerie Goto
Catherine Graham
Margaret Granger
Ian Grant
Jon Grant
Jacqui Green
Lyn Green
Christopher Greenhalgh
Vanessa Greenhalgh
Paul Greenin
Leigh Greenwood
Mike Greenwood
David Gregory
Coleen Groves
David Groves
Katie Gulliver
Carol Hackett
Timothy Haines
Neil Hallett
Angela Harding
Ashley Hardingham
Patricia Hardman
Kate Harley
Lucy Harries
Alan Harrington
Hazel Harris
Jean Harrison
Kathy Hartland
Ann Harwood
Sue Haslehurst
Samuel Hearle
John Hebblethwaite
Joanna Hellenbrand
Nicola Hendey
James Henley
Pete Herbert-James
Carol Hibbs
Jonathan Hibbs
Symon Hill
Philip Hill
Paul Hills
Martin Hobgen
Jane Hogg
Clare Hooper
David T Hooper
Marianne Hooper
Maxine Hooper
Linda Hopkins
David Howe
Sharon Howe
Nick Hudson
Peter Hudson
Wendy Hudson
Carole Hudson
Jonathan Hunt
Nathan Hunt
Douglas Hutcheon
Joanne Isherwood
Michelle Jackson
Jacqueline Jackson
Romilly Mark Janes
Sarah Jennings
Richard Jevons
Keith John
Chris Johnson
Eveline Johnstone
Christopher Jones
Christopher Jones
Gill Jones
Martin Jones
Paula Jones
Sarah Jones
BARRY JONES
Elizabeth Jones
Alex Kaleniuk
Karen Kaneen
Jo Keeble
Andrew Kellett
John Kempton
Alan Kerry
Colin Kerry
David Kerry
Jonathan Keyworth
Juliet Kilpin
Hazel King
David King
Susan King
Elizabeth Klaas
Andrew Kleissner
Justin Knight
Melville Knight
Nigel Knight
Katherine Kouwenberg
Jochien Kraai
Skander Kurtin
T H Lambourne
Lissa Lander
Brian Langsdon
Lynne Laussu
Paul J Lavender
Margaret Law
Nick Lear
Sally Lees
Sarah Leitch
Linda Lemon
Mhoira Leng
Jennifer E Lesley
Kathleen Letford
D J Lewis
Andrew Lewis Lewis
Rachel Lewis
Janet Liddington
Helen Lloyd
Laura Lock
Louisa Lockwood
Alisdair Longwill
Kathryn Love
Lisa Lowe
Manda Lusmore
Ruth Christine Luther
Gill Lyons
Eric Macarthur
Pauline Macdonald
Arthur Magahy
Deb Maguire
John Maguire
Michael Manning
Deborah Marfleet
Penny Marsh
Glen Marshall
Rachel Marshall
Susan Martin
Victoria Martin
Andrew Matheson
Sophie Matthewman
Rob May
Tony Mayes
Gillian McCabe
Serena McCarthy
Sue McCurdy
Rebecca McGurrell
Esther McManus
Jane McWhinnie
Joy Mead
Michael Mead
Simon Mercer
Alysen Merrill
Annmarie Miles
Richard Miles
Brian Miller
William Miller
Melanie Millington
Martin Mills
Antony Millward
Jan Millward
Rosemary Molyneux
Ruth Montacute
Nina Montoya
Anne Moody
Derek Moody
Mary Moody
Kathryn Morgan
Mary Morgan
Barbara Morris
Paul Muir
Andrew Mumford
Carmel Murphy Elliott
Bruce Nadin
Dorothy Naib
Sushila Nayar
Trevor Neill
Christina Nelms
David Nelson
Sally Nelson
Jennie Nelson-Cofie
Michael Newport
Claire Nicholls
Elizabeth Nixon
Frances O’Donnell
Andrew Openshaw
Catriona Openshaw
Katherine Openshaw
Alison Overton
Gwynneth Owen
Stephen Palmer
Elizabeth Parker
Mary Parker
Rosemary Parker
Nick Parsons
Alison Paton
Esther Paton
Rachel Paton
James Patterson (retired PCC)
Nicola Pearce
Julie Peat
Michael Peat
Alison Peck
Tony Peck
Misha Pedersen
Aileen Pender
Brenda Piearcey
Nigel Pimlott
Louise Polhill
Sandy Porter
Jackie Potter
Beth Powney
Kevin Price
Lesley Price
Helen Read
Mark Read
Jill Reedman
Karen Relton
Karl Relton
Janet Rew
Catherine Richards
Pamela Ring
Simon Roberton
Angela Roberts
Claire Roberts
Martin Robinson
Irene Robison
Jane Robson
Roger Robson
Andrew Roffey
David and Judy Rollings
David Ronco
Matt Roper
Kate Rose
Diane Rotherham
Jon Rouse CBE
Chris Rowberry
Matt Rowe
Wendy Rowe
Gill Rowell
Don Russell
Lynne Russell
Susan Russell
Tricia Rutter
Eddy Rye
Judith Sargent
Hazel Savill
Meri Scott-Donelan
Isabella Senior
John Settatree
Danie Shallcross
Michael Shaw
Charlotte Shepherd
Simon Paul Shepherd
Norma Sherwell
Alison Shorter
Gareth Shrubsole
Estelle Silence
John Simmonds
Carol Simmons
Martha Simpson
Alison Sisu
Jacqueline Skipper
Hazel Smee
Allison Smith
Andy Smith
Christopher Smith
Darren Smith
Eileen Smith
Gary Smith
John Smith
Karen Smith
Karen Smith
Karen Smith
Robert Smith
Philip Smithson
Stella Smithson
Carol Soble
Roland M Sokolowski
Jacqueline Somerville
Susanna Somerville
Dorothy Spence
Glynis Spiller
Philip Spiller
Benjamin Spring
John Stafford
Richard Darrin Stanford-Beale
E Stanton
Val Statt
Martin Stears-Handscomb
Marcus Steele
Wendy Steele
Peter Stevenson
Susan Stevenson
Rosie Stewart
Heather Stewart
Mark Stewart
Teresa Stimpson
Rosalind Stimpson
Elizabeth Stoker
Bruce Stokes
Lois Stokes
Hilary Stone
Elizabeth Street
Rachel Street
Dave Sunman
Leonie Sutcliffe
Leanne Swift
Lorna Talbot-Hammond
Amanda Taylor
Rachel Third
Bev Thomas
Jim Thomas
Brenda Thomson
Joy Thorburn
Peter Timothy
Steve Tinning
Mark Torkington
Lina Toth
Margaret Travers
Martyn Travers
Hilary Treavis
Eloise Trizinski
David Tubby
Jacqueline Turnbull
Gary Tuttle
Andy Twilley
Jean Underdown
Andy Vail
Marije van Dam
Ellen Van Loenen
Paul van Loenen
Alex Vickers
Jackie Vickers
Beth Vickers-Smith
Joshua Vickers-Smith
Rachel Waitt
Ian Wakeham
Mary Wakeham
Neil Walden
Belinda Walker
Jill Walker
Rhodri Walters
Dawn Warby
Adrian Ward
Carol L Ward
Lucy Ward
Christine Ware
David Warrington
B P Waterhouse
CV Waterhouse (Mrs)
Sharon Watkins
Diane Watts
Shayla Waugh
David Webber
Lou Webber
Mark Welch
Jacqui Wells
Miriam West
Eric Westwood
Alison Westwood Dickens
Mary Whalley
Abigail Whipp
Catherine White
Judy White
Helen Whitehead
Steven Whitehorn
David Whitlock
Emma Whittaker
Anthony Whitton
Helen Whitton
Gareth Wilde
Anne Wiles
Susan Wilkinson
Alun Williams
Geoffrey Williams
Scott Williamson
Joy Willson
Emma Wilson
John Wilson
Lesley Wilson
Mat Wilson
Maureen Wilson
Lloyd Wilson
Johan Wolters
Ling Wong
Nickie Woodbridge
Simon Woodman
Abby Woods
Sally Woods
David Wotherspoon
Martin Wright
Ken Yates
Roland Young
Abigail
Hannah
Jacqui
Keith
Sylvia
Tom