On Jan. 10 of this year, I wrote to Pope Francis, imploring him to go to Gaza as a witness for humanity and demand that the genocide of Palestinians stop. I knew my request was likely not possible for many reasons. But in the midst of such barbarity, such evil, I needed to reach out to the spiritual leader of my faith community, a man of wisdom, humility, compassion and moral integrity.

And so, I wrote: “The unspeakable suffering of Palestinians has been met largely with stony silence by the international community, and, most shockingly, by faith communities as well. During the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, 2013, you called on the world’s priests to ‘be shepherds, with the odor of the sheep.’ But where are the cardinals and bishops while this horrific genocide continues, where are the priests? They are not in Gaza and very few are taking part in protests or civil disobedience to end the killing. Where would Jesus be if he was living today? I believe he’d be in Gaza with those who are suffering, providing healing and comfort to the dying.”

In December 2023, Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, delivered a stunning sermon, ultimately viewed throughout the world, resulting in international speaking tours, including in the United States. Titled “Christ in the Rubble: a Liturgy of Lament,” the sermon was a powerful, unapologetic accusation of complicity directed at churches remaining silent about the genocide.

The following is taken from his sermon:

“We are outraged by the complicity of the church. Let it be clear: Silence is complicity, and empty calls for peace without a ceasefire and end to occupation and the shallow words of empathy without direct action — are all under the banner of complicity … If you fail to call this a genocide, it is on you. It is a sin and a darkness you willingly embrace. … Your charity, your words of shock after the genocide, won’t make a difference. Words of regret will not suffice for you. We will not accept your apology after the genocide. What has been done, has been done. I want you to look at the mirror … and ask: where was I?”

I cried when I heard those words, not from sadness, but from enormous relief and gratitude for the uncompromising, prophetic stance the words embody.

Finally, a spiritual leader speaking clearly, fearlessly about the abysmal failure of “the church.” For if a member of the clergy is not focusing on the genocide in Palestine, the complicity of the United States and actions of the faith community then what is he or she doing? And what is the point?

This has been a time of personal turmoil for me related to staying part of or leaving a faith tradition I have loved, one that is part of my identity. Recently, I decided I could not stay. This decision is not about loss of faith. It is about turning away from an institution I can no longer trust for spiritual direction or believe in as a spiritual guide, based on the lack of moral clarity and leadership regarding the genocide in Palestine.

For me, it was a decision that needed to be made. Nevertheless, it was a decision made with great sadness.