In the early stages of the war in Gaza, the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) management committee came to the view that our organisation should focus our limited resources on our mandate, which is spiritually-inspired climate action. That said, we were responding individually to the crisis, independently of ARRCC.

Now however, as a faith-based organisation, the sheer scale and intensity of human suffering in Gaza means we can no longer remain silent. 

We in ARRCC are distressed by the ongoing war and desperate human catastrophe in Gaza. We express our profound sorrow at the killing of so many innocent people; we also acknowledge the deep pain felt by others in the region affected by the hostilities. 

We stand with those on all sides who are genuinely working for peace. We gratefully acknowledge that many Israelis do not support actions taken by the Israeli Government since 7th October, 2023, and many Palestinians do not support the actions of Hamas.

We call urgently for:

• An immediate and unconditional ceasefire;
• Full, safe and unrestricted access by humanitarian agencies to reach civilians who are in desperate need of food, water, shelter and medical assistance;
• The unconditional release of the remaining 50 hostages taken on October 7th, 2023
• Coordinated international action to halt the destruction, to provide sufficient humanitarian assistance commensurate with the scale of the need, and to bring perpetrators of crimes under international law to justice.

We call on those who are prolonging this war for their own aims to stop, and allow the people of Israel and Palestine to find a way of living together that respects the rights of all. 

Beyond Gaza, we appeal for equal justice and rights for all people, in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem and throughout that region. Peace and compassion are the only way. 

by Thea Ormerod

ARRCC President