The African Methodist Episcopal Church, a leading Black Christian denomination in the United States with a long history, urged the U.S. to halt its financial support to Israel.
This call comes in response to what the church describes as a “mass genocide” due to the prolonged military actions in Gaza.
The church’s top governing body, the Council of Bishops, which includes Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker as its president, made this appeal.
Black faith communities have been vocal in seeking a halt to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, employing various platforms to advocate for peace as the casualty toll escalates, with over 28,000 fatalities in Gaza, many of whom are civilians.
The church’s demand for the U.S. to cut financial aid to Israel marks a significant stance, coinciding with Israeli military advancements in southern Gaza.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7 following an attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 Israelis, has strained the relationship between President Biden and African American voters, a key demographic for the Democratic Party.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, with nearly three million members globally, plays a pivotal role in mobilizing support within the Black community, particularly in political contexts.
In its statement, the A.M.E. council said Israel’s military had cornered Palestinians in Rafah and “denied them access to food water, shelter, and health care.”
It continues: “After this torture, they plan to murder them. The United States of America will have likely paid for the weapons they use. This must not be allowed to happen.”
