On March 19, 2026 the Church of South India (United) has shared a call for peace in response to the ongoing conflict and political tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The statement is here:

Call for peace: A Plea againt war and violence

In these deeply troubling times, as the world witnesses the unfolding conflict involving Iran, the Church of South India raises a deep and urgent plea in the face of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. War is violence. War is inhuman. War destroys God’s creation and wounds the dignity of humanity. At a time when the world longs for healing, we are confronted instead with devastation, fear, and loss.

We grieve the immeasurable suffering of innocent people in the Middle East families torn apart, children displaced, and lives shattered. We, as the Church of South India, affirm with conviction that war is not, and can never be, a solution to any conflict. Violence only begets more violence; hatred only deepens division. The path to lasting peace cannot be paved with bloodshed. The cries of the wounded and the dying echo the lament of Scripture: 'How long, O Lord?' (Psalm 13:1). The Gospel reminds us, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God' (Matthew 5:9). Yet today, the path of peace is overshadowed by the machinery of war.

We declare with conviction that war must stop without any further delay without preconditions, without the postponement of dialogue. Violence cannot bring justice. Weapons cannot create peace. Only dialogue, reconciliation, and humility can restore life. Let there be a pause not just in the firing of weapons, but in the hardening of hearts. Let empathy guide decisions. Let the value of every human life be upheld above all else. As the prophet Isaiah envisions, 'They shall beat their swords into ploughshares' (Isaiah 2:4).

We urge all congregations, faith communities, presbyters, and bishops to unite in earnest prayer, fasting, and public witness for peace. We call upon the leaders of the nations involved those who have initiated and sustained this conflict to choose courage over aggression, and dialogue over destruction, valuing human life above political ambition and power.

In this hour of darkness, we seek God’s intervention, trusting in the promise: 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble' (Psalm 46:1).

Let us stand together and proclaim: Peace is God’s will. War is not.

The General Secretary

Church of South India

Chennai, 19.03.2026 

More information

See the statement on the Church of South India (United) social media page. 

Find out more about the Church of South India (United).