Tell Obama: Christians Support Bold Action for Holy Land Peace
Join Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson and other major Christian leaders from Catholic, Evangelical, Protestant, Orthodox and historic African American traditions who have come together at this critical moment to declare their support for bold U.S. action to achieve a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians - http://action.cmep.org/t/4029/signUp.jsp?key=1013
In a letter released on June 4, immediately following President Obama’s speech in Cairo, more than 50 Christian leaders commended the President’s message to the people of the Middle East and his strong commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian issue. They wrote, “As you embark on peace efforts, we ask you to provide a clear framework for an end to the conflict, help Israelis and Palestinians make the difficult decisions necessary to achieve lasting peace, and hold both parties to account when they fail to honor their commitments.”
The leaders promised on-going engagement, declaring, “We...are rallying Christians nationwide around robust U.S. peacemaking efforts to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace.”
In his Cairo speech, President Obama pledged to “personally pursue” the goal of two states living in peace and security, saying it was time for all of us to work for the day when the “Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims.”
Let President Obama know that you and Christians nationwide support bold, immediate American leadership. http://action.cmep.org/t/4029/signUp.jsp?key=1013
Peace between Israel and the Palestinians will require the strong and helping hand of the United States. Supporters of the status quo will discourage strong U.S. leadership. Please join in commending Obama for his important statements pressing both Israel and the Palestinians to take action for peace.
Now is indeed a critical moment in the long history of this conflict. Despite widespread support for a two-state solution, the window of opportunity is closing. As hope dims, the threat of violence grows and hard-line voices are strengthened.
If the President is going to provide the kind of sustained, hands-on U.S. diplomacy necessary to help move the parties forward and finally end this conflict, he will need for those who believe in this effort to make their voices heard.
Add your name today to the letter to President Obama urging bold U.S. action for peace in the Holy Land. http://action.cmep.org/t/4029/signUp.jsp?key=1013
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ELCA news release, “ELCA Presiding Bishop Welcomes President's Remarks on U.S.-Muslim Relations," June 4, 2009. http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx#&&a=4150
Text of Ecumenical Letter, June 4, 2009 - http://www.cmep.org/boldaction/ecumenical-letter.pdf
Transcript: President Obama’s Cairo Speech, June 4, 2009 - http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Cairo-University-6-04-09/
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The ELCA Middle East Network provides regular updates. Sign up at this link - http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Get-Involved.aspx
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace, www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com
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