As we remember the events of 7th October 2023 and reflect on the year that has followed, let us also honour the persistent voices calling for peace, dialogue, and understanding. Their work reminds us that even in the midst of conflict, there are always those working towards a better future.
On this sombre anniversary our hearts are heavy with the weight of continued conflict and suffering in Israel and Palestine and now Lebanon and the wider Middle East. The past year has seen immense loss, pain, and upheaval for countless individuals and families on all sides of this complex situation. As a global community, we find ourselves grappling with feelings of helplessness and sorrow as we witness the ongoing cycle of violence.
In times like these, it is crucial to remember the humanity of all those affected by this conflict. Every life lost, every home destroyed, and every dream shattered represents a profound tragedy. We mourn for the innocent victims – Israeli, Palestinian, and others – caught in the crossfire of a seemingly intractable struggle.
As a Christian academic research institute dedicated to fostering understanding, learning, and dialogue, we are particularly mindful of all our alumni and students living and working in conflict-affected areas. Their experiences and perspectives provide invaluable insights into the realities on the ground and underscore the critical need for dialogue.
Longstanding Voices of Peace and Reconciliation
While the events of October 7th and the ensuing conflict have brought renewed attention to the region, it’s important to recognise that the work of peace-building and reconciliation has been ongoing for many years. Among those dedicated to this crucial work are several of our distinguished alumni, who have been active in promoting dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence long before the recent escalation.
Over the past year, these voices for peace have become even more vocal and active, tirelessly working to make their messages heard through various channels. They have delivered in-person presentations, participated in webinars and podcasts, written articles, and distributed newsletters. Their travels abroad have allowed them to bring the voices of their communities to a global audience.
Today, we wish to highlight some of the most powerful and reflective contributions offered by three Alumni from this past year of anguish – insights that may have been overlooked but remain deeply relevant and deserve to be heard, especially on this sombre anniversary.
Munther Isaac
Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Christian theologian, academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College and pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, has long been a leading voice for justice, peace, and the role of the Palestinian Christian community in Palestine and Israel. As the director of the Christ at the Checkpoint conference and a board member of Kairos Palestine, Munther has worked to challenge global misconceptions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while advocating for a peaceful and just resolution. Over the past year, he had delivered powerful sermons, hosted the Checkpoint conference in Bethlehem in June this year (with over 100 theologians and Christian leaders in attendance) and participated at key Christian events and meetings in London and the US.
The Peace Catalyst 2024 Rick Love Peace Award was awarded to Munther Isaac at PeaceCon in Washington, DC
Peace Catalyst – September 2024
Don’t Choose Comfort Over Confronting Injustice
Quaker United Nations Office (QUNA) – 24 August 2024
Munther Isaac, a watchman in the Palestinian night
La Vie article, reproduced in English on OCMS website – May 2024
Bethlehem: Rev Munther Isaac Good Friday Sermon 2024
Independent Catholic News (ICN)
Christ Under the Rubble (Christmas Eve Sermon)
Munther Isaac Youtube Channel – December 2023
The Other Side of the Wall (2020)
A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope (Book)
based on his thesis and available from Eden Books
Rula Khoury Mansour
Rula Khoury Mansour, a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth, is the founding director of the Nazareth Center for Peace Studies and an associate professor of reconciliation theology at Nazareth Evangelical College. With her background in law and conflict resolution, Rula has dedicated her life to promoting peace both locally and internationally. She has been a tireless advocate for justice and reconciliation, lecturing, writing, and consulting on these critical issues in churches and institutions worldwide.
When the Cannons are Rumbling the Sermon on the Mount Doesn’t Remain Silent (Article)
Come and See – Christian Website from Nazareth – 15 October 2023
Peace, Justice and Unity (Conference Speech)
Baptist International Conference on Theological Education in Nigeria, July 2024
Peace and reconciliation as mission in a world in conflict
Christian perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Article)
Evangelical Focus Europe – July 2024
Reconciliation in Times of Conflict: Stories of Hope (Panel Session)
Lausanne IV Conference- September 2024
Salim Munayer
Salim Munayer, founder of Musalaha, has been working for over 30 years to promote reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. His extensive experience in grassroots movements and nonviolent resistance has helped build bridges across communities torn apart by conflict. Through his teaching, writing, and leadership at Musalaha, Salim has shown that reconciliation is not only possible but necessary for peace to prevail. He is also the Regional Hub Coordinator for the Middle East of the Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN) of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).
Reconciling Justice: A Conversation with Palestinian Christian Peacebuilder Dr. Salim Munayer – A conversation about his latest book: “Reconciling Justice: Concepts of Justice in the Multireligious Context of Palestine/Israel”. Peace Catalyst International – August 2024
The Ministry of Reconciliation: Bridging Divides between Israelis & Palestinians with Salim Munayer (Podcast video discussing his latest book)
Lausanne Movement Podcast – April 2024
Salim Munayer’s Perseverance Amidst the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
“We believe that reconciliation is a process. It takes time.” (Article)
Pepperdine Beacon blog – March 2024
Liberation for the Oppressor (Article)
Musahala Newsletter – March 2023
Musahala is a faith based organisation with a vision (and mission) for reconciliation.
Salim Munayer is on the Team and Munther Isaac is on the Board of Musahala.