About 135 activists from Anabaptist congregations across the United States were arrested Jan. 16 in Washington, D.C., as they sang songs of peace and called on Congress to support a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all hostages in the war with Israel.

Mennonite Action coordinated the hymn sing sit-in beneath the rotunda of the House of Representatives’ Cannon House Office Building. The activists were arrested following verbal instructions from police to disperse.

Participants in the day of action delivered copies of a Mennonite Action petition signed by more than 5,000 people to their House representatives.

The group is urging federal elected officials to call for a permanent cease-fire, a release of all hostages and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.

Mennonite Action coordinated a previous day of action Dec. 19, when 43 protests across the U.S. and Canada mobilized 2,000 Mennonites and allies. The day of action marked the largest Christian-led protest for a cease-fire since Oct. 7. 

“Right now, innocent children are being killed, and entire communities are being bombed relentlessly as the world looks on. There must be a cease-fire!” said Mennonite Action spokesperson Jonathan Brenneman. “As a Palestinian American and as a Mennonite and Christian, I must speak out. Is there a point where powerful leaders in the United States will grow weary of watching this genocide play out day after day after day?”

“Our Palestinian, Jewish, Arab and Muslim friends and loved ones are demanding a cease-fire even while they are forced to reckon with unspeakable tragedies,” said Mennonite Action organizer Adam Ramer. “We believe we have a duty as pacifists and Christians to join public action for peace and justice whenever and wherever we can. We are calling for a permanent cease-fire, a return of all hostages, and a day when our Palestinian and Israeli siblings can live in peace — free from fear and pain.” 

Mennonites across the U.S. and Canada have been shocked and horrified, first by Hamas’ brutal attacks against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 and then by Israel’s continuing attacks on Palestinian civilians, as the death toll climbs into the tens of thousands, including thousands of children.

Over the past few weeks, they began to organize into a new movement called Mennonite Action. Thousands of Mennonites have joined webinars, sermons, phonebanks and peace services across the U.S. in their calls for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine.