Media advisory: National church leaders deliver peace message on Gaza at National Press Gallery, May 22
(Unceded Algonquin Territory [Ottawa, ON]) – Canadian church leaders will arrive on Parliament Hill on May 22 to urge Parliamentarians to support sustainable peacebuilding in Palestine and Israel. They are part of a cross Canada movement of churches calling for a Gaza ceasefire and just peace. They will deliver their message at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. at the National Press Theatre, and meet with Members of Parliament after. Earlier that day they will walk the last leg of their pilgrimage and participate in a public prayer vigil on Parliament Hill.
The church leaders call on Canada to support:
- An enduring and sustained ceasefire.
- Immediate flow of life saving food, water, aid, fuel and humanitarian assistance.
- Release of all captives.
- Ending all arms transfers to Israel.
- Ending occupation so a just peace can begin.
WHEN: May 22, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
WHERE: National Press Theatre, Room 325-180 Wellington Street.
WHAT: Press conference, Q&A and photo opportunity.*
WHO: Confirmed speakers: Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of the United Church of Canada; Rev. Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; Leah Reesor-Keller, Transitional Executive Director, KAIROS Canada, and a representative from the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Also confirmed to attend: The Rt. Rev. Andrew Asbil, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, and Doug Klassen, Executive Minister, Mennonite Church Canada
BACKGROUND
Across Canada, congregations and communities of faith have mobilized for a just peace in Palestine and Israel by participating in local pilgrimages – walking or rolling together for all or part of 41 kilometres, which is the length of the Gaza strip.
Pilgrimages will culminate on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 22, where national representatives and church leaders will join for a prayer vigil, the press conference and meetings with MPs.
The Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage: Canadian Churches for Just Peace is an initiative organized by KAIROS Canada and its member churches who together represent more than 4 million people from communities across Canada.
KAIROS and member churches have a long history of supporting and accompanying partners in Palestine and in Israel in their work. We amplify their calls for just peace in the region to the Canadian public and government.
The pilgrimages are part of the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage, a network of autonomous Christian groups with shared perspectives who engage in a prayerful expression of solidarity in cities around the world.
* Participation in the question and answer portion of this event is in person or via Zoom, and is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca for temporary access.
– 30 –
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cheryl McNamara
Communications and Advocacy Coordinator, KAIROS Canada, 416–875-0097, cmcnamara@kairoscanada.org
The KAIROS Toronto office is on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca and Mississaugas of the Credit Indigenous Peoples.
