Mennonite Central Committee released a statement March 4 on recent violence and the need to work for peace in the Middle East.

As a ministry of Anabaptist churches deeply rooted in Christ’s call to peace and as an organization with more than 75 years of experience working with partners in the Middle East, Mennonite Central Committee laments the U.S. military aggression against the country of Iran.

Bombing by U.S. and Israeli military forces will have drastic effects on the Iranian people, particularly on those already vulnerable. The violence has quickly spread across the region and ripple effects will be felt around the world. As we watch the mounting death toll, including more than 150 at one all girls primary school, we mourn our collective failure to stop the endless cycle of violence and the cheapening of human life, and we recommit to be peacemakers in a time of escalating violent conflict.

Further, we lament the horrific murders of thousands of peaceful protestors in Iran by government forces and mourn the deaths of those killed in retaliatory strikes. No loss of life is acceptable. Violence only begets more violence. Jesus called his followers to resist a culture of violence and death and instead build a culture of peace and life.

We know a better world is possible — because Jesus showed us the way. We cannot passively wait for this better world to emerge but must work together to turn away from a path toward mutual destruction, and onto a path toward mutual flourishing.

Jesus implored his followers to see that every precious life is made in the image of God and to resist letting others define who are our enemies. He powerfully challenged structures of violence and dehumanization in his time, urging his followers to rethink who is their neighbor and to prioritize care for those most vulnerable. Jesus demonstrated time and time again how to transcend political, cultural and economic barriers to build communities where love, well-being and peace are paramount.

We hear clearly from MCC staff and partners in the Middle East that the path to a lasting and just peace is through diplomacy and local peacebuilding, not bombs. We grow increasingly concerned by U.S. aggression globally, including the support for genocide in Gaza, and the attacks on Venezuela and Nigeria.

In this critical moment, we at MCC…
— Cry out to God to intervene to stop the hostility and to embolden us to be servants of God’s peace.
— Call on MCC supporters in the U.S. to (1) urge their members of Congress to oppose further military action in Iran and throughout the Middle East; and (2) join in nonviolent actions to push for peace.
— Call on MCC supporters in Canada to amplify MCC’s ask to the Canadian government to oppose the use of military force, including any use of Canadian weapons or armed forces, and to prioritize diplomacy and peacebuilding as Canadian strategies for engagement
— Will continue to engage with members of the U.S. Congress to (1) pass war powers resolutions that oppose further military actions; (2) speak out against the illegal U.S. military campaign against Iran; and (3) shift funding from the military to human needs programs such as health care and humanitarian assistance.
— Will continue to engage with the United Nations to (1) intensify diplomatic efforts and use its authority to mediate, monitor and de-escalate the crisis while holding all parties accountable to international law and the protection of civilians; and (2) with UN member countries to oppose the U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iran and push for diplomatic solutions.

We pray for all those affected by violence to find peace. We pray for those who believe war is the answer to have their hearts opened to reimagining. And we pray for the strength, hope and boldness required in this moment to contribute to building a world that more closely resembles God’s loving vision for humanity.