CMEP Statement on the 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

[The following statement was issued today, April 24, 2026, on the occasion of Armenian Martyrs’ Day. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ are founding members of CMEP, and through Global Ministries, nurture deep partnerships with Armenian churches and communities.]

On this solemn 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) joins with communities around the world in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who were systematically killed and displaced beginning in 1915. We honor the memory of those who perished, stand with their descendants, and reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, and the dignity of all people.

This day is not only about remembrance, it is also a call to vigilance. The legacy of the Armenian Genocide continues to reverberate today, not only in the denial and distortion of historical truth but in the ongoing erasure of Armenian presence, heritage, and identity.

We are deeply concerned by credible reports of the continued destruction of Armenian historical and cultural sites. The recent demolition of the Stepanakert Cathedral on April 22, 2026, stands as a stark and painful example. Such acts are not isolated incidents; they reflect a broader and deeply troubling pattern of cultural erasure. The destruction of sacred spaces, monuments, and heritage sites undermines the historical continuity of a people and threatens the preservation of their identity.

CMEP affirms that the protection of cultural and religious heritage is a moral and legal obligation under international law. The targeting of such sites, especially in post-conflict environments, raises serious concerns about accountability, reconciliation, and the prospects for a just and lasting peace.

We also reaffirm our solidarity with Armenian churches and communities worldwide, Apostolic, Catholic, Evangelical, and others, who continue to bear witness to faith, resilience, and hope in the face of profound historical and ongoing challenges. On this day of remembrance, we commit ourselves not only to honoring the past but to preventing its repetition. The lessons of the Armenian Genocide demand that we speak clearly and act decisively wherever injustice, erasure, and dehumanization persist.