Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine

Accompany. Advocate. Raise Awareness.

A Zoom Gathering

Thursday, October 16, 2025 @ 7:00-8:30 PM MDT

On July 30, 2025, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA passed the memorial, “Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine”. Please join RMS Sumud on zoom Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7pm to learn more about this memorial, the doors it opens for engagement, ELCA resources that support our engagement, and how you can connect. More details coming soon.

Register here.

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Passes Resolution Calling for an End to Genocide in Gaza

The Resolution, "Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine," calls for advocacy to end the genocide and human rights violations in Gaza, recognition of a Palestinian state, and an end to settler violence in the West Bank. It also reaffirms the ELCA’s commitment to amplifying the voices of ELCA partners in Palestine and Israel. Read the full text of the Resolution.

Resources for study and advocacy:

Peace Not Walls is now "SUMUD: For Justice in Palestine and Israel"

Take 4 minutes to see an overview of SUMUD's work: 

See the April webinar for an update on how the Lutherans in the West Bank are dealing with their current more difficult situation:

See the ELCA announcement: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Publicly-Engaged-Church/Peace-Not-Walls and note the new Lenten video series: "Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey." Watch the video preview: 

Latest update--January 2024, from Pastor Gabi Aelabouni

In the Rocky Mountain Synod, we participate in a special ELCA campaign working for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel, through

  • Accompaniment
  • Advocacy
  • Awareness-raising

Ask your Representative to sign on to Rep. Cori Bush's Ceasefire Resolution

H.Res.786 - Calling for an immediate deescalation and cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine

Text of the Resolution: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/786/text

Contact - Find your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Get Involved: 

Direct Support to Palestinian Lutheran Ministries

Opportunity Palestine - supporting Lutheran schools in Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour and Ramallah: http://opportunitypalestine.org.
Bright Stars of Bethlehem - supporting ministries of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem - K-12 school and after school programs, elder care programs, Dar Al-Kalima University College and more: http://brightstarsbethlehem.org 

Worship Resource: Thomas Mass Liturgy

The Thomas Mass is a Lutheran worship liturgy designed for contemplation, prayer, and questioning. It is named for the Apostle Thomas because of his questions in faith. The bulk of this service is an Open Phase during which worshippers are invited to participate in different worship stations as they feel compelled. This particular Thomas Mass has been developed by the Rocky Mountain Synod’s Peace Not Walls committee.  The service may be adapted for use throughout the year in various worship settings.