ELCA NEWS SERVICE
December 31, 2008
Lutheran Bishop Joins Jerusalem Church Leaders in Calling for Peace
08-212-SHA
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Prominent Christian leaders around the
world are calling for an end to the violence that erupted in Gaza
during the Christmas season.
Patriarchs, bishops and the heads of Christian church bodies
in Jerusalem issued a statement Dec. 30 urging an end to the
latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in hundreds of
deaths.
"We call upon all officials of both parties to return to
their senses and refrain from all violent acts ... and urge them
instead work to resolve their differences through peaceful and
nonviolent means," the statement said.
The Rev. Munib A. Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, signed the statement along
with 12 others. They included bishops from Syrian, Greek and
Armenian Catholic traditions as well as Orthodox patriarchs from
Ethiopian, Syrian, Coptic, Latin and Greek communities.
The statement also calls on the international community to
actively intervene to stop the bloodshed. In concludes with a
prayer for the families of victims as well as residents of the
area.
"May the Lord God Almighty grant all those who have lost
loved ones consolation and patience," the statement said. "We
pray for all those living in panic and fear, that God may bless
them with calm, tranquility and true peace."
Letter to President Bush
Churches for Middle East Peace sent a letter to President
George W. Bush on Dec. 29. They said the United States needed to
do more than urge Israel to avoid civilian targets.
"There can be no military solution to this conflict," the
letter said. "Only a political solution will bring a durable
peace to Palestinians and Israelis."
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a member of
the religious organization - - a coalition of 22 public policy
offices of Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant agencies and
churches.
"As people of faith, we care deeply about the welfare of
both Israelis and Palestinians and deplore the violent deaths of
those caught in the conflict," the letter said.
-- -- --
The full statement from the Jerusalem Christian leaders is
at http://www.ncccusa.org/news/081230patriarchsongaza.html on the
Web. The letter from the Churches for Middle East Peace is at
http://www.cmep.org/documents/GazaLetterDecember.htm on the Web.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
