Our core convictions that make a Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage

As well as our prayerful intention and the clear demands outlined on this website, we have eight core convictions that make a walk a “Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage”. These core convictions flow from the life and teachings of Our Lord Jesus of Nazareth. 

We ask any group using the name or hashtag to embody the following:

  • Above all our prayer is Jesus’ way of healing-justice through nonviolent-enemy-love be how the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages are to be experienced by all. Because of this,

  • We make a stand against any form of hatred including antisemitism and Islamophobia. We hurt the movement (and are not faithful to Jesus) when hatred of anyone or any People clouds the clarity of naming the war crimes being committed by the modern nation state of Israel. Hatred (be it racism or some other dehumanising practice) also hurts the much needed collaboration essential to end this horror. We are clear that “our battle is not against flesh and blood” but against the Powers responsible. If hatred animates your analysis or activism, we are not the movement for you. 

  • We are about nonviolent solidarity not neutrality. We value every human life as made in the image of God and because of this we must tell the truth about this asymmetrical conflict in the context of apartheid policies, military occupation and what experts overwhelmingly identify as genocidal intent in Israel’s war on Gaza.

  • We make the commitment to you that there will be no proselytisation. No bait and switch. Christians wanting to orgainse an event, if you cannot be hospitable to people of other faiths or no faith who are being gracious enough to be alongside us in solidarity for Palestine during Lent, you are not welcome to use the name. Please don’t use the name Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage or the hashtag if you are going to engage in religious coercion.

  • We engage in the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage as an act of repentance. On behalf of ourselves, our churches, and our nations. Both the sins of omission in not standing with the Palestinian people, or in the sins of commission where there has been active support for what experts overwhelmingly identify genocidal intent in the ongoing war on Gaza.

  • We seek to work with and be led by Palestinian Christians who are in agreement with these core convictions in each of the contexts of where the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages are happening.

  • We are aware of the settler colonial histories, not just in Palestine, but in many of the places we live. We seek the blessing and collaboration of the First Nations Peoples of the land on which we walk and recommit ourselves to the work of healing-justice with First Nations Peoples.

  • We hope that Muslim and Jewish friends, or people from any faith or no faith who are committed to the above would feel welcome to join us, if not bothered by us Christians being ourselves. We may carry crosses, or sing hymns, or read Scriptures, walk in periods of silence or stop for prayer along the way. If you are ok with this, you are more than welcome. If you are coming and would like us to plan stops so you can pray, please let local organisers know.