Join us from different faiths for common action towards good.

Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council offers a statement on bringing a lasting peace based on justice and offers prayers for everyone affected by the violence.

Online PR News – 25-May-2021 – Irvine, CA – The Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council welcomes people of all faiths to unite in the power of prayer as a bridge between faiths for individuals, cities, nations and our world. We cannot ignore issues of racism, tribalism, and nationalism. In our desire and prayers for the high goal of peace, we fervently pray for the people of Palestine and Israel.

Our hearts break with God's as we think about the violence which is present now and has been in the long-lasting clash between these peoples. It is particularly heart-wrenching as we learn that so many children have been killed needlessly. It is our prayer that peace might be attained: a peace that sees the dignity of all God's children, a peace with justice where liberty to practice one's freedom of religion safe and free from harm, a peace that does not silence voices but a peace where lives can be renewed, and homes restored.

The Interfaith Council reaffirms the right to coexist with peace and dignity for people of both sides. Hence, we urge removal of inhumane prisonlike living conditions for all human beings everywhere. As faith leaders we recognize the importance of family and sanctity of homes which should be respected unequivocally, therefore the practice of annexing houses by forcibly displacing families must stop. We encourage both sides to remember that storming of religious places disrespects not only the people of that faith but is offensive to people of every faith.

We welcome the ceasefire and hope it will lead to enduring peace, as we demand that human rights be held sacred as a reminder of the sanctity of life, a belief that each of the world's religions holds dear. Rather than fight with weapons, an unequal fight, we pray that each side will sit down at table as equals, to mindfully and morally, reach a just agreement. For far too long it has been unequally weighted, and a just peace has been impossible.

As Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists and Sikhs, we unite as brothers and sisters, siblings of Creation to pray that the voiceless be given voice, the impoverished empowered, and the oppressed captives be set free.

May there be peace on earth, a lasting peace with justice, hope, and love.

Amen.