A delegation of Palestinian Americans from across the country met with Members of Congress on Capitol Hill this week to highlight the terrible suffering and loss that their families, friends and colleagues have suffered during the unfolding genocide in Gaza. As the fate of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza remains tenuous and uncertain, these Palestinian American families called on Congress and the Administration to ensure that the ceasefire does not just temporarily halt the fighting, but brings the occupation and destruction to a lasting end. The delegation, supported by the Arab American Institute, Churches for Middle East Peace, and American Friends Service Committee, called for Congress to take action to stop providing the Israeli government with American weapons that have been used to destroy Gaza and impose famine.  

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is deeply honored to be named the 2025 recipient of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award by 21Wilberforce. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wissam al-Saliby and the 21Wilberforce Forum for this recognition of CMEP’s commitment to advancing peace and protecting religious freedom in the Middle East.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) proudly announces the launch of its Armenian Advisory Council, inaugurated on September 16, 2025, at the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City. The launch event, titled “From Ararat to the World,” brought together church leaders, ecumenical representatives, and members of the Armenian-American community for an evening of fellowship, cultural celebration, and shared commitment to justice and peace.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has launched Let Children Live, a growing international campaign calling Christians to pray for and protect Palestinian children. Partnering with denominations, congregations, and faith-based organizations, the campaign invites churches to lift up Palestinian children by name, affirming their God-given dignity and right to live, dream, and thrive. Already embraced by over 200 churches and organizations, Let Children Live unites believers across traditions in a shared cry for compassion and justice.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) joins more than 200 humanitarian organizations in calling for the immediate end to Israel’s deadly, military-controlled aid distribution scheme in Gaza and the restoration of a unified, UN-led humanitarian coordination mechanism. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, now responsible for food delivery, has replaced 400 community-based distribution points with only four militarized sites, turning the desperate pursuit of food into a death sentence. Since the scheme’s implementation, over 500 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 4,000 injured while simply trying to survive.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), alongside dozens of international aid and development agencies, released its latest Humanitarian Access Snapshot, covering the period from March 26 to May 28, 2025.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), alongside dozens of international aid and development agencies, released its latest Humanitarian Access Snapshot, covering the period from January 19 to April 15, 2025. The report offers a sobering update on the continued restrictions on humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank amidst ongoing conflict and military operations.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) executive director, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, led a small interfaith delegation of Christian and Muslim leaders to Jordan between April 9-10, 2025. His Excellency Bishop Mpumlwana Malusi, the former General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), and Imam Dr. Yahya Hendi, Director of Muslim Life at Georgetown University, joined Rev. Dr. Cannon as they met with high-level political and religious leaders to discuss the most recent events in the region with an emphasis on what can be done to end the war on Gaza. In addition to meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Safadi and other leaders, the delegation was honored to participate in a gathering with the Nobel Women’s Initiative hosted by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal.

Churches for Middle East Peace’s (CMEP) executive director, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, led a small interfaith delegation of Christian and Islamic leaders to Egypt between April 5-8, 2025. Meetings in Egypt included conversations with religious and political leaders for the purpose of discussing the role international religious leaders can play in calling for an end to all violence, especially the devastating toll of ongoing bombing and military incursions by the Israeli military in Gaza and the West Bank.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) stands in solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem and their defense of the Armenian Patriarchate. The Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem faces a foreclosure order posing a significant threat to their ongoing sustainability. As the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches note, “This action undermines the freedom of religion, which is the foundation of all other rights, since through a confiscation of assets, attempts to the right of existence of the Orthodox Armenian Church, depriving it of the necessary economic resources to live and operate and depriving the local Armenian people of the pastoral care of their Church.” The threat against the Armenian Patriarchate reflects a broader challenge facing the Christian community in Jerusalem relating to taxation issues. CMEP remains committed to advocate for the continued sustainability of the churches in Jerusalem whose presence and ministry provide vital services to the greater community.   Press Release February 20th, 2025