GAZA – WHY WE AS CHURCH MUST SHOW LEADERSHIP

Fr Billy Swan

As we watch the news each night and see the latest images coming from Gaza, our hearts recoil in horror before the humanitarian disaster unfolding there. There is also the sense of powerlessness that leaves us feeling unable to do anything to help and yet our conscience tells us that indifference and doing nothing is not an option.

It is risky for the Church to speak out about what is happening in Gaza. A few weeks ago in the Irish Catholic, I wrote an article about ‘Our shame about what’s happening in Gaza’ in which I tried to focus on the humanitarian needs of everyone involved and avoid politics. Most of the feedback was positive but there were some criticisms from both sides. Some comments included: ‘You seem to blame Isarel for it all’ and ‘You should have used the word genocide’. Despite the risks of getting involved, it is critical for us as Christians not to let criticism or fear of criticism deter us from doing what our faith demands. In the face of what is unfolding and what we see, we as Church must show leadership. Here are five ways in which we can do this. You may agree, disagree and add more to the list. But it is a conversation we must have among ourselves to reclaim the confidence that the Church has an essential role in helping humanity out of this black hole of despair and towards hope and lasting peace.

First, that we have a feel for the horrendous suffering of the people involved – both the Palestinians suffering from displacement, death and starvation and the hostages, their families and victims of the atrocity on 7^th October 2023. The Church builds bridges by her compassion to everyone and helps one side to acknowledge the human suffering endured by the other.

Second, that we commit more seriously and intentionally to prayer and fasting for a lasting peace in Gaza. We have the tools to do this with Masses, structured prayer times and opportunities to name this situation as a pressing need that deserves more of our attention and resolve. If all of us pledge to dedicate more prayer and our Friday fast for justice and a lasting peace in the Middle-East, I believe it would have a powerful effect.

Third, that we engage with other leaders including political leaders, to help find creative ways of moving forward. This is not the time for us to withdraw into safe spaces. By courageously stepping into the complexity of conflict, encountering others and forging paths of dialogue, we bring the message of reconciliation and peace where it is most needed. For example, I ask myself why it is left to other organisations to organise these meetings? Would it be possible for a parish or a diocese to organise a public meeting about the situation in Gaza, to discuss the humanitarian crisis and seeking creative ways to respond? If successful, could clear terms of reference for such a discussion be replicated at a national level?

Fourth, that we as Church respond quickly and consistently to any violation of human rights and dignity. And so, we call for an immediate end to the blockade of food to allow essential supplies to arrive for those who need it. We call for an immediate release of all hostages and the remains of those who have already died. We must stay on message.

Finally, as we delicately touch this open wound, that we as Church always point to a future of hope, the path of peace so that, in the words of Pope Leo XIV ‘evil will not prevail’. This is not blind optimism but the Gospel truth rooted in the resurrection and the victory of Christ’s love over hatred.