The leaders of the three largest Orthodox communities in Syria have issued a statement regarding the current situation in their country. The two files attached here show the letter, translated from Arabic.

For the several years it has been in existence, the Peace Not Walls campaign of the ELCA has been focused primarily on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The events of this year have shown, more than ever before, that the conflict cannot be comprehended apart from its regional context.

Please keep the people of Syria in your prayers, the Christian communities among them. Additionally, pray that leaders around the world seeking to intervene in the conflict brewing there — including leaders in the United States — will receive the gift of discernment.

This is the season of hope. Amen, come Lord Jesus.

The blog of the Peace Not Walls campaign of the ELCA does not endorse the content of items posted or linked by authors. The document known as the “Bethlehem Call” contains several elements not in agreement with ELCA policy concerning Israel and Palestine. 

Kairos Palestine led a conference in Bethlehem called ‘Kairos for Global Justice Encounter” in December that gathered participants from 15 countries  to see current realities on the ground and what has changed since December, 2009, when the initial Kairos Palestine group issued their “Word of faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering.”  They issued what they are calling “The Bethlehem Call.”

Read the full statement here (PDF document).

A Message from Bethlehem: Voices of Hope

A Statement from an Ecumenical Delegation of Women Bishops

“We came to the land of Jesus to stand in solidarity with women working for peace.  We heard their voices, listened to their stories and came away disturbed yet hopeful,” said Bishop Deborah L. Kiesey, head of a delegation of 10 ecumenical women bishops who recently traveled to Israel and Palestine.

The pilgrimage of peace and solidarity on November 12-21, 2011 was sponsored by the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church and The United Methodist Church Council of Bishops. Episcopal leaders from four denominations participated in the pilgrimage: United Methodist, Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal and Christian Methodist Episcopal. We met with Christians, Jews and Muslims, listened to stories of despair and hope and witnessed the realities of life experienced by the people in the land.

Highlights of the pilgrimage were meeting with women throughout Israel and Palestine who are working to empower women, building bridges to new relationships and nurturing and caring for children.  In Galilee we met with Arab women and Jewish women working together to empower women and build a better future in a community called Sindyanna of Galilee which teaches women how to weave baskets, make soaps and create other Fair Trade products for sale, all the while building relationships and friendships with one another.

In Nazareth we met with a Jewish rabbi who seeks through her ministry and her life to nurture diverse relationships and provide a role model for her community and her children. In the Negev, we met with Bedouin women who are building libraries including a mobile library for children in the outlying villages. They are also providing educational opportunities for women and teaching women how to do embroidery, a skill that brings them income and builds on a traditional form of art. In Jericho, we met with women at the YWCA who are offering child care and parenting support in one of the refugee camps, as well as teaching women commercial cooking skills and hairdressing. They also offer English language classes and computer courses.

All of the women we met sought to empower other women within their communities by building on their strengths, enabling them to name and address the needs of their context and making a difference in the world. These women, by their stories, challenge and inspire us as women to find ways to work for a better future for women, children and men everywhere.

Ironically, in the land where the words for peace: peace, shalom and salaam are spoken as greetings and/or farewells, this land is certainly not at peace.  Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Episcopal leader in the African Methodist Episcopal denomination writes:

“If peace is to be realized anywhere, we, the people of God, can no longer be satisfied with listening to our own stories and believing only in our interpretation of the issues. Our passion for peace at home and abroad must be born out of our conviction to live as people, who, created in the image of God, understand the need to listen to the stories of others and admit there may be viewpoints on issues we have not yet seriously considered. We must pray for peace to become a universal priority of the church.”

“The beauty of the historic Holy Land remains as it must have been in biblical days – olive groves and fruit trees prolific amidst the rocky desert terrain.  The realities of this land are similar, a land of promise and hope for some, and a rough and oppressive place for others,” writes Bishop Teresa Snorton with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. 

“The Holy Land that is to embody the peace of faith and religion is also the place of almost constant war.  It is hard to describe the pain, despair and oppression that is apparent in this modern Israel, which in reality is an occupied land, its ownership still in dispute.”

“The tragedy is that everyone suffers in this environment. The Palestinian people face daily indignities, injustices and experience oppression familiar to the Jim Crow South of the United Statesand apartheid ofSouth Africa. The Jewish people, in their quest to assure their covenant promise of the land, live in a constant state of fear and with the impact of an economy driven by a prevailing military presence and readiness for combat.  The Church must speak to these injustices in more direct ways in the ensuing days if there is to be any possibility for an end to this conundrum that subverts rather than promotes peace for all the people for whom this is the ‘Holy’ land.”

 A Pledge for Action

In addition to listening to stories, we pledged to gather facts that would equip the delegation as educators and advocates for peace upon our return to theUnited States.  We recognize, as Episcopal leaders, we have the ability and responsibility to teach and preach about the critical issues of the day.  Therefore, we pledge to take the following actions in our respective Episcopal areas:

• Maintain a continual discipline of prayer for the peoples of Israel and Palestine by setting aside specific day or days for prayers by our churches (a suggested time: first Wednesday of each month). During Holy Week 2012, we will urge people in our Episcopal areas to pray for the people of Israel and Palestine.  Prayers will be written by our team for Holy Week and shared with the churches.
• Stand in solidarity with women in Israel and Palestine and in our communities who are working for peace.
• Identify ways our churches and country are complicit with oppression in the region.
• Organize a pilgrimage of young adults, ages 20-30, to the region in 2013 so they may anticipate similar experiences to our own. We will work with the young adults to develop a mission statement and projected outcomes.
• Implement a ministry of education by sharing our leadership and insight with our constituents.
• Speak truth to power through advocacy on justice issue related to Israel and Palestine by taking the following steps:

(A)  We will invite our Council of Bishops/House of Bishops to prepare letters to President Barack Obama and respective Members of Congress regarding our observations and findings such as:

• the need to encourage political leaders to listen to and involve more women in the peace process;
• a two-state solution is essential for peace and would benefit both Israelis and Palestinians; such a solution must include:

1. A sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state along the 1967 borders
2. Universal recognition for the state ofIsraeland protection of her security
3. The sharing of the eternal city of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of two sovereign states, with universal access to the holy sites for people of all faiths;
4. An end to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
5. A fair solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees.
6. Agreements for the equitable sharing of water resources; and
7. The protection of minority rights both within the state of Israel and a future Palestinian state.

(B)   Engage our respective church constituencies in dialogue and work so as to reach common ground on issues related to Israel and Palestine.

“We came to the Holy Landwhere one finds holy sites and we met living stones.  We heard their stories and now want to share their stories with others in hopes of seeing all people in Israel and Palestine experience abundant life.” (Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, United Methodist Church)

A Gift to the Church

We found ourselves in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth—all places where Jesus walked.  Because we were in the Holy Landjust prior to Advent, we offer the litany below as a gift to the Church for use in local congregations during this Advent season.  (Preferably this can be used on the Third Sunday in Advent, when Luke 1:46-55 is an appointed text—or any other time in Advent as desired)

The Gospel of Luke describes Mary as overshadowed by the power of God.  For God, nothing is impossible!  Mary responds to God, “I am your servant; let it be to me according to your word.”

It is Advent, and we wait and hope for peace and love.

WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO BETHLEHEM, WHERE JESUS WILL BE BORN.

Mary, overshadowed by God, says, “I am your servant; let it be to me according to your word.”

WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO BETHLEHEM, WHERE JESUS WILL BE BORN.

Mary and Joseph travel and arrive weary and unwelcomed.

WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO BETHLEHEM, WHERE JESUS WILL BE BORN

Bethlehem this Advent is weary and anxious in the shadow of the high dividing wall.

WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO BETHLEHEM, WHERE JESUS WILL BE BORN.

We in the world have lost our way.  We need a Savior and Shepherd and Healer.

OVERSHADOW THIS WORLD, O GOD, WITH YOUR POWER AND LOVE.

Come, Lord Jesus, and bring peace in Israel and Palestine, and in every broken place.

WE PRAY FOR YOUR BIRTHPLACE AS WE MAKE OUR WAY TO BETHLEHEM.

Shatter darkness with your light as you come to gather, heal and save us.

COME, LORD JESUS, PRINCE OF PEACE.

(Litany written by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, The United Methodist Church)

Members of the Delegation:

Bishop Laura Ahrens (The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut)

Bishop Sarah Davis (African Methodist Episcopal Church)

Bishop Violet Fisher (United Methodist Church)

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry (African Methodist Church)

Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, Chair (United Methodist Church)

Bishop Vashti McKenzie (African Methodist Episcopal Church)

Bishop Jane Middleton (United Methodist Church)

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton (Christian Methodist Episcopal Church)

Bishop Mary Ann Swenson (United Methodist Church)

Bishop Hope Morgan Ward (United Methodist Church)

30 experts on religious rights from 23 different countries are attending “Freedom of Religion and Rights of Religious Minorities,” a conference sponsored by The World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs and hosted by the Ecumenical Patriarch.  The conference will end Dec 2. 

In a presentation to the gathering, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I said there must be respect for the “inherent rights of all human beings and their aspiration and rights of religious freedom should be important components to sustain tolerance among all God’s creation.”

“We are called to promote dialogue among all communities and peoples to create peace, harmony and tolerance in a world that is faced with violence, conflicts and religious hatred”, the Patriarch said.

Read more about the WCC”s activities in:

• Accompanying churches in situations of conflict
• Advocacy for human rights

 

 

 

 

In March 2012, a unique Christian International Conference will take place in Bethlehem, Palestine, titled: Christ at the Checkpoint – Hope in the Midst of Conflict. The conference is organized by Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine, an evangelical Christian institution, and it is the second time the College has hosted such a conference.  It will be one of the biggest gatherings of evangelical Christians in the Middle East ever to take place.

Among the confirmed speakers for 2012 are John Ortberg, Lynne Hybels (Willow Creek), Shane Clainbore (Simple Way), Tony Campolo, Ron Sider (Evangelicals for Social Action), Samuel Rodriguez (National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference), Chris Wright (Langham Partnership International), Chris Seiple (Institute for Global Engagement), Ken Sande (Peacemaker Ministries), Sang Bok David Kim (chairman of the Asia Evangelical Alliance and the World Evangelical Alliance), and many more.

In addition to the international speakers, local Palestinian and Messianic Jewish leaders will share their own experiences and offer diverse perspectives. Participants will meet Palestinian Christians, and be able to listen and see first-hand the realities on the ground, as seen through the eyes of the people.

The first conference generated much interest and debate and called for evangelicals to work towards peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. It also challenged the traditional stereotypical lens through which Western Christians have looked at the Middle East in general.  According to the report from the conference, there was

a Biblical critique of dispensational theology and repudiation of an exclusive theology of the land that marginalizes and disenfranchises the indigenous people. The conference affirmed the strategic role of the Palestinian Evangelical Church in justice, peacemaking and reconciliation. The conference speakers repudiated both Christian Zionism and Anti-Semitism. 

As Carl Medearis put it,

If your end-times theology trumps the clear commands in Scripture to love neighbours and enemies, then it is time to rethink your theology.

Read more about the conference or register here.

Continuing violence that claimed the lives of about 38 people in Cairo has left the area mourning, angry and uncertain, despite an official apology from the military and a promise that parliamentary elections will actually begin to take place next week as planned.  Elections under former President Mubarak were heavily influenced by his police, which denied access to the polls for many against the regime.  Protestors are asking for the military to give up power now, but that is not scheduled to happen even after this election.   Read analyses of Egypt’s situation, especially Egypt’s Democracy.

Our prayers continue to be with those who have suffered from violence and death, our ELCA missionaries there and all of the companions and people of the country, that wisdom and justice would overtake the fear.

Professor Mark S. Nygard, an ELCA missionary in Cairo, penned these words to his sponsors to give a feel for what it’s like there on the ground:

My taxi driver thought I should get a glimpse of it live, this
morning on my way back from Arabic class. On his own initiative he
stopped his car on the Sixth of October overhead freeway opposite the
Egyptian Museum from the square itself, and we peered between the
buildings toward the stopped cars and the crowds beyond. He said he
was going to go down there himself after work today. So did my
seminary student tutor, Amgad. Two of the international students at
the International Language Institute had been on the square the day
before, and Charlie, a Brit from Exeter, said it wasn’t pretty what he
had seen – bloodied faces and bruised bodies. Another student, Maya,
used break today to announce the request for medical aid for the
square at drop-off points around the city. Dr. Magdi, seminary vice
president, counselled us to go home during the daylight hours this
week. On my way this afternoon, I found the usually crowded parking
places on Abbasia Street empty.

So… on the one hand, we are quite conscious of the conflict and we
have stores of water, food, and money to try to be ready for any
disruption that might be necessary. On the other hand, our days
continue on under the press of our own schedules and ministries as if
nothing at all was unusual. Fall semester classes are now two-thirds
over, Aisha of Maa’di discusses connectors of direct and indirect
objects to Arabic verbs, Philip Friesen of St. Paul offers November
guest lectures on social change, I prepare for a Scholar’s Seminar
called “1960 and 2010: Missiology Then and Now,” my Dutch colleague,
Willem, offers a daring way better to manage our challenging
curriculum, and in the midst of it all, a French missionary teacher
friend needs us to babysit a kitten for five days, and this, in an
apartment where pets are forbidden. Things don’t simply shut down
because a country is struggling to determine its destiny! Our life is
full.

On the way to celebrate what happened in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, let us not forget the people who yearn for peace with justice now in Bethlehem and all over the Holy Land.  Here are some Advent reflections by various people and organizations to help us remember:

• Churches for Middle East Peace Advent Reflections
• Jan Miller: A Pilgrim’s Tale – Advent Reflections
• Loren McGrail:  Returned Ecumenical Accompanier – Advent One Bulletin Insert
• Church of Sweden and ELCJHL Advent Calendar 2010

Today I stood, as if I could hear voices from the past, present and the future of both horror and hope, but hope won.  For today I walked through the Brandenburg Gate, which used to separate East from West Berlin as one of the most famous places in the Berlin Wall.  I remember standing there in 1980, looking at the sign that said “Attention, you are leaving West Berlin,” horrified by Checkpoint Charlie and the feeling of oppression being subjected to soldiers with machine guns ruling over life in East Berlin.

It was as if I could hear both the voices of the past – the wail of horror that must have gone up when the wall went up – and the voices of the present – and you said it couldn’t be done!

And I found President Reagan’s words from the past:

Today (1987) I say: as long as the gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone tht remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind.  Yet I do not come here to lament.  For I find in Berlin a message of hope, even in the shadow of this wall, a message of triumph….

…this wall will fall.  For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth.  The wall cannot withstand freedom.

So I stand tonight to salute all those Palestinians, Israelis and internationals – and there are many – whose collective voice will one day overshadow the wallbuilders and the settlement expanders and the rocket launchers.  Don’t give up, even in the face of evidence that that wall – and injustice and oppression and fear – will stand forever scarring your land.  It won’t, there are too many working and praying and yearning for freedom and truth to win the day. 

Can you not almost hear the cry from the future:  and they said it couldn’t be done!

 

A symposium entitled “Bible, Land, and our Theological Challenge: A Presbyterian Conversation” was held in October with key speakers presenting views on biblical perspectives on the land and the Palestinian-Israeli situation.   See the schedule of speakers below and watch the video.

9:00AM	Welcome, introductions, statement of purpose, prayer
9:30AM-10:20AM	“Kairos Palestine and Interfaith Relations in North America”	Rev. Dr. Said Ailabouni,ELCA Pastor, La Grange IL, Former director of ELCA office on the Middle East
10:30AM-11:20AM	“Biblical interpretation and Old Testament Land Theology Today”	Rev. Dr. Eugene March,Old Testament Profesor Emeritus, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
11:30AM-12:20PM	“Biblical interpretation and New Testament Land Theology Today”	Rev. Dr. Gary Burge,Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School
12:30PM	Lunch and discussion: catered in the Presbyterian Center. Registration includes cost of lunch.
1:45PM – 4:30PM	Panel Discussion	Moderator: Darrell Yeaney, former university Campus Minister in Kansas, California and Iowa; Founder with his wife Sue of the Congressional Accompaniment Project to Israel/PalestineSpeakers: Said Ailabouni, Gene March, Gary Burge(see above)National Staff:Rev. Dr. Christian T. Iosso, Coordinator, Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (PCUSA)Rev. Dr. Charles A. Wiley, III, Interim Director, Theology & Worship, PC(USA)IPMN members:Rev. Katherine Cunningham, Co-Executive Director, New Horizons Associates, Counseling and Consultation, New Jersey; a past moderator of the Committee on the Office of the GA; Vice Moderator of IPMN.Professor Nahida Halaby Gordon, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, moderator of the National Middle East Presbyterian Caucus, officer and member of the Steering Committee of IPMNRev. Dr. Donald Wagner, Research Professor for Interfaith Engagement, Eastern Mennonite University and former Professor and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies North Park University, Chicago, ILRev. Raafat L. Zaki, Transitional Synod Executive, Synod of the Covenant. He was educated in the Middle East, Asia, & the USA and has held three pastorates, two GAMC positions, and two synod positions.

 

Today, church leaders in the United States made public their response to the communique issued by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem regarding the current status of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both documents were produced in September.

In their statement, the U.S. heads of churches, in the context of the Arab Spring, “recognize the complex and difficult situation regarding the current and future realities of the Middle East.” Beyond developments in the region, however, the church leaders voice their dismay “that the Obama administration has actively opposed Palestinian efforts to achieve a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through appeal to the United Nations.”

Click below for the full text of each communication (in PDF format):

Sept. 12, 2011 – Communique from the Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem

Sept. 30, 2011 – Response to Communique by Heads of Churches in the United States