RMS SUMUD: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
NOTE: There are four Christ in the Rubble Book Studies, the first beginning on Tuesday February 3, and then continuing February 17, March 3 and March 17. By registering, you are registering for all four sessions. You may attend one or all of the book studies.
What is SUMUD?
SUMUD (formerly Peace Not Walls) is the official justice initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) supporting a just, peaceful, and enduring future for Palestinians and Israelis. Through accompaniment, advocacy, and awareness-raising, SUMUD seeks to uphold human dignity, human rights, and the Christian witness in the Holy Land. The name "SUMUD," meaning "steadfastness," reflects the hope, resilience, and commitment of Palestinian Christians and their partners to remain rooted in faith and justice amid ongoing challenges.
Our Core Practices
- Accompaniment—Standing in solidarity with the indigenous Christian communities of the Holy Land, especially those under occupation, through prayer, support, and personal relationships.
- Advocacy—Encouraging political action, ethical investment practices, and policy measures that promote peace, human rights, and justice for all in Israel and Palestine.
- Awareness-Raising—Sharing stories, educational resources, worship materials, and media to help congregations and individuals learn the realities on the ground and respond faithfully.
Recent Actions & Updates
- In 2025, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed the resolution “Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine,” reaffirming the Church’s commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights for Palestinians and Israelis.
- SUMUD hosted a Zoom gathering on October 16, 2025, to unpack the significance of the resolution, provide updates on the situation, share available ELCA resources, and offer concrete ways to get involved.
- SUMUD continues to share prayers, liturgies, and educational tools — including the contemplative Thomas Mass liturgy — to equip congregations for faithful solidarity and intercession.
Get Involved
- STUDY the KAIROS PALESTINE, the Palestinian Christians' call to Christians around the world, asking for support in their struggle for human rights
- SUPPORT Lutheran ministries and schools in Bethlehem through Bright Stars of Bethlehem
- SUPPORT Lutheran schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) through Opportunity Palestine
- WHY have more than 200 Israeli settlements been built on Palestinian land? Watch "The Iron Wall" documentary
- Watch 1948: Creation and Catastrophe
- Watch The Occupation of the American Mind
- Summary of ELCA churchwide actions on Palestine
Direct Support to Palestinian Lutheran Ministries
- Opportunity Palestine - supporting Lutheran schools in Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour and Ramallah
- Bright Stars of Bethlehem - supporting ministries of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem K–12 schools and after school program, elder care programs, Dar Al–Kalima University College and more
Resources
Worship Resource: Thomas Mass Liturgy
The Thomas Mass is a Lutheran worship liturgy designed for contemplation, prayer, and questioning. It is named for the Apostle Thomas because of his questions in faith. The bulk of this service is an Open Phase during which worshippers are invited to participate in different worship stations as they feel compelled. This particular Thomas Mass has been developed by the Rocky Mountain Synod’s Peace Not Walls committee. The service may be adapted for use throughout the year in various worship settings.
Get in Touch
Fill out the form below to connect with Pastor Rebecca Aardahl, RMS SUMUD Chair
