Bishops and pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America implored legislators — first in a letter they shared that had been sent to the White House and then in meetings directly with legislators and their staff — to champion an immediate ceasefire, ensure humanitarian aid access, and protect civilians. The meetings in the second week of April were held in the US capital Washington DC.

Church leadership, including Palestinian Lutheran pastors, detailed the agony of watching family and friends trapped amid bombing and military action, but unable to find a safe place to flee. Lutherans, like many communities of faith, have long had ties in the Holy Land that have ensured last connections. 

As a growing number of Americans are raising alarm at the horrifying images and reports from Gaza and escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, legislators welcomed the stories of those with first-hand experience — and those whose church-wide leadership has joined calls for a ceasefire. While some legislators have expressed explicit support for an immediate ceasefire and a halt in military arms transfer, still other legislators have yet to hear from other faith leaders on this issue — a message that the bishops and pastors will take back them as a call to action to their fellow faith leaders.