In Solidarity with GAZA
Joe Gunn, Ottawa
Volume 39 Issue 4, 5 & 6 | Posted: July 15, 2024
Carried by several members of St. Joe’s Parish and Development and Peace – CARITAS Canada, the doves were glad to participate in the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage. Walking down Elgin Street from Minto Park, seven national church leaders then held a press conference and met several MPs. Part of the global movement walking in prayerful solidarity with the people of Gaza, Christians are calling for 1. An enduring and sustained ceasefire; 2. The immediate flow of life-saving food, water, aid, fuel and humanitarian assistance; 3. The release of all captives; 4. The end of all arms transfers to Israel; and 5. The end of occupation so a just peace can begin.
St. Joe’s parishioners may recall that these doves first flew in the streets of Ottawa during the peaceful protests of our children against the war in Iraq in 2003 – before nestling into liturgical practice in our sanctuary. It is sad to think that they are needed once again – two decades later – but prayers for peace remain urgently necessary.
(Of course, it is equally sad that the Catholic bishops were the only representatives of a major Christian church in this country who declined to participate in this ecumenical initiative.)
Joe Gunn, Ottawa