The ELCA has been committed to working for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel for over twenty years. We support our partners, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), and Augusta Victoria Hospital and the East Jerusalem programs of the Lutheran World Federation through accompaniment, advocacy and awareness-raising. The original ELCA Peace Not Walls campaign has been renamed and reconfigured as a new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel. Sumud is an Arabic word meaning “steadfastness,” referring to the resilience of the Palestinian people and their resistance to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and people. The ELCJHL embodies Sumud in its education, social work, worship, and the promotion of women’s equality, non-violence, and the arts.
An initiative of the ELCA for engagement in,
accompaniment, awareness raising, and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.
Learning Opportunities
- For series on “Israel and Gaza, how did we get here”? (in person or Webex)
- Sermon series related to Sumud, working for Peace with Justice.
- Discussion about the ministries of the ELCJHL
- Learn what it was like for Ecumenical Accompaniers
- Start a book club to earn more about daily life of Palestinian Lutherans
- Join Churches for Middle East Peace’s weekly Prayer meeting for the Holy Land
- Book studies and discussion groups
- Congregational learning circles
- Collaborative partnerships with communities embodying SUMUD
- Story-sharing initiatives that highlight lived experiences of resilience and stories from Ecumenical Accompaniers
Resources
- Churches for Middle East Peace
- SABEEL Interfaith Organization in Jerusalem
- Thomas Mass for the Holy Land
- Christian Zionism
- Churches for Middle East Peace
- Know the Issues
- Recommended Books by Lutheran Authors
- Bethlehem Besieged: Stories of Hope in Times of Trouble - Rev. Mitri Raheb
- The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope - Rev. Munther Issac
- Why Peace and Prayers are Not Enough - Rev. Julie Brenton Rowe
Accompany
Learn
Pray
Advocate
Meet Friends of SUMUD: Southwestern Texas Synod
If you’re interested, we are happy to offer a one-on-one conversation to explore your questions, hear your reflections, and discuss how SUMUD might resonate within your congregation. These conversations are a great way to build connections before any in-person visits with your congregation and can help us better understand how to help you and your congregation learn more about this ministry.
Please feel free to reply to this email to schedule a time that works for you or reach out to one of our SUMUD members

Rev. Julie Brenton Rowe
Author of "Why Peace and Prayers are Not Enough"
Communications Director ELCJHL
Former Ecumenical Accompanier

Rev. Sharon Wiggins
Member Faith Lutheran, Austin
Interfaith Community for Palestinian Rights
Former Chair of SWT Chapter Peace Not Walls
Former Ecumenical Accompanier

Debbie El-Bathy
Member Gethsemane Lutheran, Austin
Interfaith Community for Palestinian Rights

Tammie Danielson
Member Gethsemane, Austin
Former SWT Peace Not Walls Member
Churches for Middle Ease Peace Regional Coordinator
Former Ecumenical Accompanier