In what may be the first time in history, a group of American Christian, Muslim and Jewish religious leaders have joined hands with Iranian Muslim religious leaders in a statement to call on their governments to negotiate with mutual respect to end the animosity between their countries and move to a genuine peace. 

“With profound sympathy for all victims of war and oppression, we together implore our governmental leaders and those of other countries to take concrete steps towards reconciliation before even greater catastrophes befall us,” the statement said.

The initial signers to “A Time for Peace” were 14 Americans (eight Christian, three Muslim, three Jewish) and six Iranians (all Muslims), who recognize that the Golden Rule — “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” — is the cornerstone of their shared religious heritage given through Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.  

The group has affirmed that genuine peace means more than cessation of hostilities. The statement says that peace “entails cooperation across differences to address injustice, poverty and hunger, environmental degradation and threats to public health.”

Religious leaders from both countries are offering to partner with their governments, faith communities and civil society organizations to prepare the ground for genuine peace.

Among the signatories are retired Episcopal bishop John Bryson Chane of Washington, D.C., Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Imam M. Mehdi Kazmi and Ambassador Mehdi Faridzedeh.

 “A Time for Peace” was sent to the Iranian and U.S. governments on February 5, one day before an indirect negotiation in Oman. 

It was first published by the Islamic Republic News Agency in English and Farsi on Feb. 11, and Pax Christi International published it in Brussels on Feb. 12 in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. The full text of “A Time for Peace” and the list of the 20 initial signatories is available at Luke 10’s website and can now be signed by anyone. 

“I see the current situation as extremely sensitive and alarming. I support the principles outlined in this statement and have joined with others to prevent war, destruction and the killing of innocent people,” said Ayatollah Moghegh Damad, dean of the department of Islamic Studies at the Academy of Sciences of Iran.

Among the signers to “A Time for Peace” are Ann Graber Hershberger of Mennonite Central Committee, John Paul Lederach and Bridget Moix of the Friends Committee for National Legislation.

Luke 10 was organized during the spring of 2020 by a group of Christian leaders to mobilize support from Christian communities for the victims of COVID-19 in Muslim-majority countries around the world.

Doug Hostetter, former director of MCC’s United Nations Office, serves on Luke 10’s board of directors, and Ed Martin, former director of the Center for Interfaith Engagement at Eastern Mennonite University, serves on Luke 10’s executive committee. Moix is also a member of the organization’s board.