The World Evangelical Alliance on Wednesday welcomed the newly announced two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the temporary pause in hostilities could lead to a permanent peace agreement.
In a statement issued April 8, Rev. Botrus Mansour, secretary general of the WEA, said the alliance is praying for those affected by the six-week conflict, including communities in Iran, Israel and across the Arab region.
“We pray that it may become a permanent peace deal,” Mansour who lives in Nazareth said, adding that Christians are called to pursue peace and reject war. He also highlighted the need for freedom of religion for all people in the affected regions, including evangelical Christians.
The WEA’s response follows the ceasefire that took effect Tuesday evening (April 7), temporarily halting weeks of escalating violence between U.S. and Iranian forces, with Israel backing the pause under certain conditions. The agreement is intended to create space for further negotiations, though uncertainty remains over its scope and enforcement.
In its statement, the WEA emphasized that peaceful agreements between nations should be reached through dialogue and in accordance with international law, while also affirming that all people should be able to live according to the human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The alliance also drew attention to ongoing concerns in Lebanon, urging that the ceasefire extend protection to civilians there, particularly in the country’s southern regions where hostilities have continued despite the broader agreement.
Referencing the biblical call to peacemaking, Mansour cited Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew, underscoring the Christian commitment to reconciliation amid conflict.
Read our earlier reporting: US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire as Israel backs pause; uncertainty remains over scope and enforcement
