a pastoral letter - on events in Iran

Dear Disciples,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you today from Johannesburg, South Africa, where I am gathered with global church leaders at the World Council of Churches Central Committee meeting. As we have met in prayer and discernment, our hearts have turned often to the people of Iran and the growing tensions in the Middle East. In moments of silence and shared lament, we have lifted up those affected by the recent military attacks and the communities now facing deep uncertainty and fear.

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At Week of Compassion, we are acutely aware of how conflict reshapes lives far beyond the headlines. Our partners in and around the region—some of whom must remain unnamed for their safety—are already responding with courage and compassion. They are preparing for the possibility of displacement, loss of access to basic goods, and the trauma that inevitably follows in the wake of violence.

These are not distant concerns. As a Church committed to justice and compassion, we are called to bear witness to suffering and to accompany those who serve in the hardest places. Conflict disrupts fragile systems of health, housing, food, and water. It tears apart families, and it deepens inequalities already intensified by climate change, poverty, and migration.

This week, our ecumenical partners from across the world have reminded us: peace is not passive. It is persistent. And it is possible—but only if people of faith refuse to accept war as the final word.

So I ask you, as Disciples of Christ:

• Pray—for the people of Iran, for our partners working in harm’s way, for peace in the region, and for wisdom and restraint among world leaders.

• Speak—in your congregations, in your communities, and with your elected officials. Let us raise a collective voice against violence and in favor of human dignity, compassion, and diplomacy.

As the prophet Isaiah proclaims, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares… nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
Let us be bold in our witness and faithful in our work toward that promised peace.

In hope and solidarity,
​
Rev. Vy Nguyen
Executive Director, Week of Compassion