Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, where both Christian churches and mosques are being bombed, and over 30,000 civilian lives have been lost, Westchester’s Black churches must stand firmly on the tenets of Jesus Christ and speak out against the violence.
The church must tell politicians, “Thus says the Lord,” without fear of losing jobs or handouts. For as people of God, we must remember the words of Ephesians 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
As believers in Jesus Christ, we unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms on all sides of the conflict. However, we must also recognize when enough is enough and have the courage to say “stop” in the protection of innocent lives demands that Westchester’s Black churches stand firmly on the tenets of our faith and speak out against the bloodshed.
Jesus Christ, himself a Palestinian Jew, as evidenced in the scriptures, stood for peace, compassion, and justice. In Matthew 21:10–11, the crowds identified him as “Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee,” affirming his connection to the Palestinian people. As followers of Christ, we must harbor compassion and humanity in our hearts for the women and children killed in Palestine today, lest we risk being hypocrites to our own faith.
The Black Church has a rich history of providing spiritual guidance, social support, and moral leadership in times of crisis. It is time for the church to reclaim its prophetic voice and stand against the injustice and violence that have claimed so many innocent lives.
As descendants of Black Americans who have faced the oppression of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and segregation, Black pastors need to speak out against the injustices occurring in Palestine. Our ancestors endured unimaginable suffering, violence, and discrimination, and their resilience and faith in the face of adversity have shaped our community’s identity and spiritual heritage.
When we see other marginalized communities facing oppression, violence, and the loss of innocent lives, we cannot remain silent. Our shared history of struggle and our deep understanding of the importance of justice, equality, and human rights compel us to stand in solidarity with those suffering, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
As believers in Christ, we have a unique platform and a moral obligation to use our voices to call for an end to violence, to demand accountability for those responsible for atrocities, and to work towards a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict. By speaking out and taking action, we honor the legacy of our ancestors, reaffirm our commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and help to build a world where all people can live with dignity, security, and freedom.
We must not allow fear of earthly consequences to silence our voices. The book of Ephesians reminds us that our true battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil that perpetuate violence and injustice. It is time for the Black Church to rise up, to speak truth to power, and to demand an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Black Church must lead by example, showing compassion and solidarity with all those who suffer, regardless of their faith or ethnicity. We must honor the Palestinian heritage of Jesus and extend love and support to our brothers and sisters in Palestine, who are facing unimaginable hardship and loss.
It is time for the Black Church in Westchester to find its voice, to stand up for the teachings of Jesus, and to demand an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The lives of countless innocent people, including fellow Christians and Muslims, hang in the balance, and the silence of the church is no longer acceptable. The Black Church must reclaim its role as a beacon of hope, love, and justice in these troubled times, honoring the Palestinian heritage of Jesus and extending compassion to all those suffering in this conflict.
