Sumud, Formerly Peace Not Walls, Launches New Lenten Series

New Lenten Series

Following the way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land journey

The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey.” This Lenten video series for individuals and congregations consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Each video will be available in both English and Arabic.

What’s Up With The New Name?

Peace Not Walls, the ELCA’s longstanding initiative committed to working for stability in the middle east has taken on a new name— Sumud: For Justice and Peace in Palestine. In light of the recent violence in the Holy Land, this initiative is redoubling its commitment to accompanying those living in conflict and to walking with our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

Sumud’s website states:

“Sumud is an Arabic word meaning ‘steadfastness.’ The term is widely used by Palestinian theologians and others to signify Palestinian resistance to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and people. That resistance takes the form of nonviolent advocacy for political change as well as ‘resistance through existence,’ embodied in education, social work, the arts and one’s relationships with the land and community.

Our new name recommits the ELCA to advocacy and awareness-raising grounded in accompaniment of the Palestinian people who are our primary partners in the region, and especially Palestinian Christians, an Indigenous minority community whose ministries of education, health care, social service, justice work, and intellectual and cultural leadership are integral to Palestinian society. Sumud follows the guidance of our Palestinian church partners in updating its name to reflect the truth of the situation on the ground: that only when justice prevails in the Holy Land — when the occupation ends and human rights are restored to Palestinians — can there be a true and lasting peace for all Palestinians and Israelis.

Sumud connects ELCA members to our companions in the Holy Land and seeks to follow the guidance, support the leadership and amplify the voices of our Palestinian partners. Together with our Lutheran companions, we accompany Palestinians and Israelis, and many other Jews, Christians and Muslims, in working to establish the justice required for peace.”

Visit Sumud’s website for more information on the initiative.