Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

United Methodist Mission Leaders Express Solidarity with those Suffering in Iraq

Dear Friends,

We invite United Methodists to be in deep prayer for Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq as they are driven from their homes, some herded into isolated encampments where they face death by starvation and thirst.

The armed forces of the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seem determined to wipe out many small, ancient communities in the northern region of Iraq. Efforts at humanitarian relief are being stymied by military operations and the lack of a strong national government.

We express our solidarity with those who are suffering, and surroundwith love and sympathy the families of hundreds killed. We pledge to provide relief if avenues for action are possible. We appeal to the United Nations and national governments to come to the rescue of thousands trapped on a mountain side without any means of sustenance.

We join our voices to those of leaders of the World Council of Churches in asking U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to “marshal all available resources to protect the people of Iraq in this hour.” We agree with the WCC assertions that when nations are unable to protect their citizens that “responsibility is taken up by international bodies and their member states.”

As United Methodists, the protection and extension of human rights — including free expression of religion — are among our mission priorities. We call upon all Methodists worldwide to join in prayer for those under oppression in Iraq and to stand ready with basic relief measures when such opportunities are possible.

In mission and ministry together,

Bishop Hope Morgan Ward
President, United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries

Thomas Kemper
General Secretary, United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries

For the past several months, UMCOR has been working with a partner in Northern Iraq who has been providing food and other assistance to internally displaced people who have fled from the violence caused by the Islamic State. As this conflict continues, UMCOR will continue to explore opportunities for creative partnership with organizations that are seeking to alleviate suffering without regard to the race or religion of the beneficiaries. Your gift to International Disaster Response, Advance #982450, empowers UMCOR to respond to this and other natural and human-caused disasters.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Church Growth
The Rev. Alexander von Wascinski receives a blessing from his congregation at Peace Church United Methodist in Munich, Germany. Photo courtesy of Peace Church United Methodist, via Facebook. Facebook.

Peace Church offers ‘home for everyone’

A congregation in Germany is a thriving, diverse church community that welcomes people of all faith traditions, including many who are new to the country.
Social Concerns
Bishop Julius C. Trimble. Photo by Tessa Tillett for the Indiana Conference.

Love demands compassionate response, prophetic witness

United Methodists have a long history of advocating for the needs of others. Today, that call continues.
Theology and Education
Cliff White. Photo courtesy of the author.

Why our church is in trouble

United Methodist leaders should stop pursuing ideological goals and instead focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ, says a longtime church member.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved