ELCA NEWS SERVICE
October 14, 2009
Lutheran Bishops Urge for Continued Commitment to Middle East Peace
09-226-JD
WASHINGTON (ELCA) -- Lutherans are asking the Obama Administration
to "remain firm" in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian impasse. In an
Oct. 13 letter, 58 of 65 synod bishops and the presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) expressed concern over the
stalemate and the "fading hopes" for a two-state solution.
"We urge the U.S. to insist upon an end to the Israeli occupation of
Palestinian land as well as an end to Palestinian violence against
Israelis," the letter said. The bishops stated their appreciation for the
past leadership of the administration and asked the president to "remain
firm in your commitment to achieving a just peace between Israelis and
Palestinians."
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, said, "The call of
ELCA bishops for an even stronger leadership role by President Obama
recognizes both a high regard for his commitment and the recognition of
U.S. responsibility to press for a negotiated solution."
The letter also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "The
deteriorating conditions in Gaza make a resumption of violence more
likely; however, opening the borders in a carefully monitored way that
respects Israel's security needs will contribute to the well being of
Palestinians in Gaza and the safety of Israelis in Sderot," the letter
said.
According to the Rev. Bruce H. Burnside, bishop, ELCA South-Central
Synod of Wisconsin, Madison, the letter was sent to demonstrate to the
administration and to the church as a whole that "this church stands
behind just peacemaking."
"We hope that the outcome is to encourage these extraordinary moves
and to encourage support throughout the ELCA," said Burnside. "We see
this as an opportunity to speak in both directions, from the church and
to the church."
Burnside chairs the ELCA Conference of Bishops' Middle East concerns
committee and was among four bishops on the committee who visited members
of Congress here Sept. 24-25.
The bishops asked the members of Congress "to be supportive of all
the efforts to resolve the conflict in the region," said the Rev. Floyd
M. Schoenhals, bishop, ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, Tulsa, Okla. "This
is an opportune time," he said.
The letter outlined the ELCA's affiliation with the Lutheran World
Federation as well as with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and
the Holy Land (ELCJHL).
Hanson met recently with the Rev. Munib A. Younan, ELCJHL bishop. "I
heard firsthand of the deteriorating situation in Jerusalem and the
diminishing hope for a lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict," said Hanson.
The letter expressed the bishops' "conviction that now is the time
for bold U.S. leadership." A copy of the letter was delivered to members
of Congress.
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The letter is at http://www.ELCA.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Issues/Israel-Palestine.aspx
on the ELCA Web site.
Audio of comments by Bishop Burnside is at
http://media.ELCA.org/audionews/091014Burnside.mp3 on the ELCA Web site.
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
