For the first time, an international organization – notably, a church body – has acknowledged the existence of an apartheid regime in Israel.
The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, from June 18 to June 24. The Church of Greece participated through Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, the Chair of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs.
In the joint communiqué issued at the meeting’s conclusion, the WCC Central Committee expressed deep sorrow and indignation over the escalating crisis in Palestine and Israel.
The WCC calls on the international community, churches worldwide, and the Israeli government to end the Gaza blockade.
The Council speaks of a blatant violation of humanitarian law and the most fundamental principles of morality.
The Council clarifies that it stands in solidarity with the Jewish people and strongly opposes all forms of racism and discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The Council further emphasizes that the actions of the Israeli government constitute violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and may amount to genocide and/or other crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This is not the first time the WCC has made such statements.
Approximately three years ago, the Council strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, at the Conference of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) in Athens just one month ago, the Council included a reference to the genocide of the Pontic Greeks by Turkey for the first time in its official communiqué, while also condemning the illegal occupation of Cyprus.
Find below the communiqué of the World Council of Churches
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
– Amos 5:24 (NRSV)
The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 18-24 June 2025, gathers in deep lamentation and outrage as the crisis in Palestine and Israel escalates to levels that flagrantly violate international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the most basic principles of morality.
We recognize a clear distinction between the Jewish people, our siblings in faith, and the acts of the Government of Israel, and we reaffirm that the WCC stands firm against any kind of racism, including antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, and islamophobia. However, the unbearable suffering inflicted on the people of Gaza, and the escalating violence and oppression in the West Bank and in Jerusalem compel the global fellowship of churches to speak with clarity, urgency, and commitment to the principles of justice under international law and ethics.
The Government of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has entailed grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention which may constitute genocide and/or other crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Simultaneously, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem continue to experience intensified violence, illegal settlement expansion, and systemic human rights violations. These actions defy international legal norms, including the United Nations Charter, the Geneva Conventions, international human rights treaties, and numerous Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
The World Council of Churches reaffirms its long-standing commitment to inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, and to international law as a framework for peace, justice, and accountability.
In this spirit, the WCC Central Committee calls for:
Naming the Reality of Apartheid: We recognize and denounce the system of apartheid imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people, in violation of international law and moral conscience.
Implementing Sanctions and Accountability: We call on states, churches, and international institutions to impose consequences for violations of international law, including targeted sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes. Full support must be given to the International Criminal Court and UN mechanisms investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Affirming Palestinian Rights and Freedom: We uphold the inalienable human rights of Palestinians to freedom, justice, return, and self-determination. We demand the end of the occupation and the lifting of the unlawful blockade on Gaza.
Support for the resilience and witness of Palestinian Christian churches and communities, upholding their right to remain on their land and to freely practice their faith.
We commend the leadership of the South African government in seeking justice and accountability to international law through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and urge all states to comply with the ICJ’s rulings. Churches worldwide are called to witness, to speak out, and to act.
“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” — James 3:18
