The Rev. Naim Ateek made a presentation at Guilford College, Greensboro, N.C., and the school's newspaper wrote up a very fine report.
Use this link to the The Guilfordian article: http://www.guilfordian.com/news/dr-naim-ateek-sharing-the-view-from-a-christian-palestine-1.1772231
Here is the story:
Dr. Naim Ateek: sharing the view from a Christian Palestine
By Victor Lopez, staff writer
On Nov. 3, the Reverend Dr. Naim Stifan Ateek, a Palestinian Christian, visited Guilford for a luncheon speech in the atrium of the cafeteria.
Ateek, founder and head of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem, met and spoke to members of the Guilford community.
Ateek discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - the effect of Israeli's occupation on Palestine - and also the challenge of inter-faith discussions within the province.
"I know Naim personally from our annual summer work/study trips to the Middle East and have met him many times," said Director of the Friends Center and Campus Ministry Coordinator Max Carter. "I support the theological work he is doing on the conflict and appreciate the work of Sabeel in asking the tough questions that need to be asked in applying Christian principles to the conflict."
Ateek's work centers on finding common ground between Christian and Jewish believers in a largely Jewish province.
"During vigorous inter-faith discussions between the 1960s and the 1980s, the Palestinians remained invisible," said Ateek in Cornerstone, Sabeel's quarterly publication. "They were hardly mentioned in the dialogues. The agenda was pregnant with Jewish-Christian concerns."
Ateek pointed to the Third Arab-Israeli War which was fought in June of 1967 between Israel and the neighboring states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
According to Ateek, the 1967 war opened many people's eyes to the existence of Palestinians as refugees who were removed by despots.
Ateek expressed support for a two-state solution, the rejection of violence, and held both Palestinians and Israeli Jews accountable in a commitment towards peace.
Carter was pleased by the turnout for the discussion and the mixture of off-campus, faculty, students, and members of the Jewish community who attended.
"It was important especially, I believe, for members of the Jewish community to hear a Palestinian articulate a Christian position on the conflict," said Carter.
Some, like junior and vice president of Hillel, Benjamin Macdonald (who spent last semester studying in Israel), was not as receptive as Carter regarding Ateek's message.
"Ateek shied away from talking about Palestinian accountability in the conflict," said Macdonald.
Macdonald said that he thought Ateek oversimplified the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian divide.
"Ateek suggested once Palestine is recognized as a sovereign land, there will be no problem," said Macdonald. "He did not address Israeli fear. It's more complicated than that, there were a lot of things he left unsaid."
Michelle Grisaffi, a junior and peace and conflict studies major, said attending the luncheon helped leaven her education about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"There was a great deal of discussion about the importance of ending the occupation and creating a space of understanding and love in which Palestinians and Israelis can come together," said Grisaffi.
Grisaffi said she was exhilarated after the discussion and felt called to action.
"Being in a room filled with intelligent, knowledgeable people who care passionately about the Israel and Palestine issue was moving," said Grisaffi.
"It was the kind of experience that makes you want to jump out of your chair and rush out and do something important."
Macdonald cautiously agreed with Grisaffi: he, too, was glad for Ateek's visit.
"Ateek's visit was good," said Macdonald. "I wish there could have been more of a discussion. There's a line between having a debate and hearing him speak. The conversation didn't develop that much and it makes me want to bring in more perspectives."
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For more about Sabeel, see the US friends' website: www.fosna.org
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Friday, November 12, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
2011 Sabeel International Conference set for Bethlehem
From Friends of Sabeel--North America, this announcement regarding the 2011 International Conference.
Sabeel's eighth International Conference will be held in Bethlehem Feb. 22-28, 2011, under the theme: Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance
You can download a conference flyer here: http://fosna.org/files/fosna/2011_Conference_Poster_Update.pdf
Register before Dec 1 for a $200 discount. Register before Jan 1 for a $100 discount.
The conference begins in the evening on Feb. 23 and runs through dinner on February 28, 2011, at the Bethlehem Hotel.
Conference cost: $1,050 ($950 double room; includes the night of the Feb. 23).
Confirmed Keynote Speakers:
- John Dear S.J. is a Jesuit priest, pastor, peacemaker, organizer, lecturer, and retreat leader and the author/editor of 25 books including Living Peace.
- Richard Horsley is the Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and the Study of Religion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and author of Jesus and Empire: The Kingdom of God and the New World Order.
- Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town since the end of 2007.
- Ched Myers is an author, organizer and advocate. He has worked with peace and justice organizations and movements, including the American Friends Service Committee, the Pacific Concerns Resource Center and the Pacific Life Community. With Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries he focuses on building capacity for biblical literacy, church renewal and faith-based witness for justice.
For more information please email: conf2011@sabeel.org or call 972-2-532-7136 (in Jerusalem)
The cost includes a non-refundable registration fee of $300, all accommodations and meals for 6 days, all transportation and honoraria during the visit. It does NOT include airfare, transportation to and from the airport, personal expenses, souvenirs, or travel insurance.
Registration deadline: January 25, 2011. Find the form at this link: http://www.fosna.org/files/fosna/2011Conf_RegistrationForm.pdf
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Sabeel's eighth International Conference will be held in Bethlehem Feb. 22-28, 2011, under the theme: Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance
You can download a conference flyer here: http://fosna.org/files/fosna/2011_Conference_Poster_Update.pdf
Register before Dec 1 for a $200 discount. Register before Jan 1 for a $100 discount.
The conference begins in the evening on Feb. 23 and runs through dinner on February 28, 2011, at the Bethlehem Hotel.
Conference cost: $1,050 ($950 double room; includes the night of the Feb. 23).
Confirmed Keynote Speakers:
- John Dear S.J. is a Jesuit priest, pastor, peacemaker, organizer, lecturer, and retreat leader and the author/editor of 25 books including Living Peace.
- Richard Horsley is the Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and the Study of Religion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and author of Jesus and Empire: The Kingdom of God and the New World Order.
- Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town since the end of 2007.
- Ched Myers is an author, organizer and advocate. He has worked with peace and justice organizations and movements, including the American Friends Service Committee, the Pacific Concerns Resource Center and the Pacific Life Community. With Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries he focuses on building capacity for biblical literacy, church renewal and faith-based witness for justice.
For more information please email: conf2011@sabeel.org or call 972-2-532-7136 (in Jerusalem)
The cost includes a non-refundable registration fee of $300, all accommodations and meals for 6 days, all transportation and honoraria during the visit. It does NOT include airfare, transportation to and from the airport, personal expenses, souvenirs, or travel insurance.
Registration deadline: January 25, 2011. Find the form at this link: http://www.fosna.org/files/fosna/2011Conf_RegistrationForm.pdf
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 5, 2010
Jerusalem Women Speak 2010
I'm hopelessly late to post information about the Jerusalem Women Speak tour. There's still time to catch the excellent panel in a couple locations.
Thursday, November 4th
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
“One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths”
10:00 a.m. – Jerusalem Women Speak, Webb Auditorium, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
12:00 p.m. – Lunch at United Methodist Women’s Fall Festival, FUMC 300 West Deleware, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
1:30 p.m. – Cherokee Nation Historical Museum
Tour with AAUW members.
3:30 p.m. – Coffee with NSU Women Faculty and Students, NSU Campus – Seminary Hall
6:30p.m. – Dinner with the American Association of University Women and Community
Saturday November 6, 2010
Washington, D.C.
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation – 12th International Conference
3900 Harewood Rd. NE Washington, D.C. – The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
1:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Workshop
Sunday November 7, 2010
6:00 p.m. Busboys and Poets at Shirlington Village
Arlington, VA
With the media's constant negative and skewed message, it is nearly impossible to have any realistic assessment of the Middle East ... especially one of hope. If the Jerusalem Women Speak Tour continues to bring Americans the real facts on the ground, grassroots activists will respond—that will make a difference in building a better future for all the people of the region.
This year, the JWS Tour will make presentations in Washington, DC, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. They will speak at the prestigious Fulbright Center, the influential Clinton Library in Little Rock, and at community forums, college campuses, and churches in heartland America.
They will carry the vision of the many JWS speakers before them: that Americans can and must end the tragic suffering of women and children; that the occupation, cruelty and oppression must end; and that a fair and just solution must and can be forged.
To achieve this vision there is much work to be done. The people of Gaza are still prisoners in their own land which is yet to be rebuilt from the devastation of war. Their borders are closed to persons and material aid. Repeated non-violent demonstrations through the years have yet to stop the illegal blockade on Gaza, despite solidarity actions around the globe, and leaders with visions of peace are being locked up.
In East Jerusalem we hear daily of Palestinian homes being taken over, leaving Palestinian home owners devastated and homeless—out on the street—with no redress and no recourse.
Under military occupation nothing is sacred, secure, or safe from seizure—not in the Holy City of Jerusalem, not in Gaza, and not in the West Bank, where the Israeli settlers continue to destroy olive trees, beat farmers, and set fire to a mosque.
The JWS women bring these facts to American audiences and make them real. They also bring a message of hope, inspiration and motivation, as they demonstrate the ability of Christians, Muslims, and Jews to work together toward a just solution for a land on which all three lived together for centuries in peace.
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Thursday, November 4th
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
“One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths”
10:00 a.m. – Jerusalem Women Speak, Webb Auditorium, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
12:00 p.m. – Lunch at United Methodist Women’s Fall Festival, FUMC 300 West Deleware, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
1:30 p.m. – Cherokee Nation Historical Museum
Tour with AAUW members.
3:30 p.m. – Coffee with NSU Women Faculty and Students, NSU Campus – Seminary Hall
6:30p.m. – Dinner with the American Association of University Women and Community
Saturday November 6, 2010
Washington, D.C.
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation – 12th International Conference
3900 Harewood Rd. NE Washington, D.C. – The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
1:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Workshop
Sunday November 7, 2010
6:00 p.m. Busboys and Poets at Shirlington Village
Arlington, VA
With the media's constant negative and skewed message, it is nearly impossible to have any realistic assessment of the Middle East ... especially one of hope. If the Jerusalem Women Speak Tour continues to bring Americans the real facts on the ground, grassroots activists will respond—that will make a difference in building a better future for all the people of the region.
This year, the JWS Tour will make presentations in Washington, DC, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. They will speak at the prestigious Fulbright Center, the influential Clinton Library in Little Rock, and at community forums, college campuses, and churches in heartland America.
They will carry the vision of the many JWS speakers before them: that Americans can and must end the tragic suffering of women and children; that the occupation, cruelty and oppression must end; and that a fair and just solution must and can be forged.
To achieve this vision there is much work to be done. The people of Gaza are still prisoners in their own land which is yet to be rebuilt from the devastation of war. Their borders are closed to persons and material aid. Repeated non-violent demonstrations through the years have yet to stop the illegal blockade on Gaza, despite solidarity actions around the globe, and leaders with visions of peace are being locked up.
In East Jerusalem we hear daily of Palestinian homes being taken over, leaving Palestinian home owners devastated and homeless—out on the street—with no redress and no recourse.
Under military occupation nothing is sacred, secure, or safe from seizure—not in the Holy City of Jerusalem, not in Gaza, and not in the West Bank, where the Israeli settlers continue to destroy olive trees, beat farmers, and set fire to a mosque.
The JWS women bring these facts to American audiences and make them real. They also bring a message of hope, inspiration and motivation, as they demonstrate the ability of Christians, Muslims, and Jews to work together toward a just solution for a land on which all three lived together for centuries in peace.
--- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Munib Younan addressed the Roman Catholic leaders on Middle East issues
Bishop Younan Addresses Vatican Synod on the Middle East - http://www.elcjhl.org/news/2010/septoct2010.asp#Vatican
On Thursday, October 21, Bishop Munib Younan was invited to address Pope Benedict XVI and the Synod of Bishops at the Special Assembly for the Middle East at the Vatican in Rome. Younan is the leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jerusalem and the Holy Land and president of the Lutheran World Federation.
The Special Synod, which convened on October 10, brought together with Pope Benedict XVI "both cardinals and archbishops, who are heads of the various offices in the Roman Curia, presidents of episcopal conferences around the world, who are concerned with the issues of the Middle East, [and] representatives from the Orthodox Churches and ecclesial communities and Jewish and Muslim guests.
"In Bishop Younan's address to the Special Assembly, he expressed gratitude for the initiative of the Synod in caring for Christians in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of strengthened ecumenical relations both in Israel-Palestine and in the whole Middle East.
Please read the Bishop Younan's entire statement; find it at this link:
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/c9c32f1679d067d8ca8107b9e/files/2010.10.21_BishopYounanAddressesVaticanSynod.pdf
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
On Thursday, October 21, Bishop Munib Younan was invited to address Pope Benedict XVI and the Synod of Bishops at the Special Assembly for the Middle East at the Vatican in Rome. Younan is the leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jerusalem and the Holy Land and president of the Lutheran World Federation.
The Special Synod, which convened on October 10, brought together with Pope Benedict XVI "both cardinals and archbishops, who are heads of the various offices in the Roman Curia, presidents of episcopal conferences around the world, who are concerned with the issues of the Middle East, [and] representatives from the Orthodox Churches and ecclesial communities and Jewish and Muslim guests.
"In Bishop Younan's address to the Special Assembly, he expressed gratitude for the initiative of the Synod in caring for Christians in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of strengthened ecumenical relations both in Israel-Palestine and in the whole Middle East.
Please read the Bishop Younan's entire statement; find it at this link:
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/c9c32f1679d067d8ca8107b9e/files/2010.10.21_BishopYounanAddressesVaticanSynod.pdf
The Synod of Bishops made a Concluding Statement from the Special Assembly of the Middle East, released Friday, October 22. It also reflected on challenges and aspirations of the church in the Middle East, and issued appeals to Catholic members throughout the world, ecumenical partners, Jewish and Muslim dialogue partners, and local as well as international political and social leaders.
In the Synod's appeal to the international community, they urged all "to work to find a peaceful, just and definitive solution in the region, through the application of the [UN] Security Council's resolutions and taking the necessary legal steps to put an end to the occupation of the different Arab territories" (VII.11).
The Synod also spoke out in condemnation of violence and terrorism, saying, "We condemn all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianism and Islamophobia and we call upon the religions to assume their responsibility to promote dialogue between cultures and civilisations in our region and in the entire world."
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Check this schedule for Rev. Naim Ateek's upcoming US visits
Naim Ateek Visits US Cities Oct 28-Nov 7
The Rev. Naim Ateek, founder and director of Sabeel in Jerusalem, will be in the U.S. from October 28 to November 7, 2010 for speaking engagements in Minnesota, North Carolina, Georgia, Connecticut and New York. Please share this information through your faith community and social networks, and if you are near any of these areas, we hope you can participate. Sabeel is the ecumenical liberation theology center.
October 28, 29 & 30, St. Paul, Minnesota
Friends of Sabeel Conference
One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths: Time for Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace
Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary
2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota
Registration & Program info: http://www.fosna.org/files/fosna/events/Brochure.StPaul.Oct2010.pdf
Nov 2-4, 2010, North Carolina
Naim Ateek will speak in Davidson, Charlotte, Burlington, and Durham.
Click here to see Rev. Ateek's full schedule of public events in North Carolina.
Saturday, November 6, 2010, Atlanta, Georgia
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Is Peace with Justice Possible in Israel/Palestine?
Trinity Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
3003 Howell Mill RoadAtlanta, GA 30327
Click here for Conference Schedule, list of speakers, and registration information.
Saturday & Sunday, November 6 & 7, Old Lyme, Connecticut
TREE OF LIFE CONFERENCE—Co-sponsored by Friends of Sabeel
First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
Lyme Street and Ferry Road
Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371860-434-8686
Naim Ateek will give the keynote address on Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:30 PM
Click here to download complete Conference Schedule
Sunday, November 7, 10:45 AM, New York City
Naim Ateek will deliver the sermon during the 10:45 AM service.
The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York City (212) 870-6833
If you wish to watch/listen, the service is live streamed through the church's website. The sermon will be downloadable (for Mp3 players) from "Sermon to Go" which is also available on the church's website.
http://www.theriversidechurchny.org/
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
The Rev. Naim Ateek, founder and director of Sabeel in Jerusalem, will be in the U.S. from October 28 to November 7, 2010 for speaking engagements in Minnesota, North Carolina, Georgia, Connecticut and New York. Please share this information through your faith community and social networks, and if you are near any of these areas, we hope you can participate. Sabeel is the ecumenical liberation theology center.
October 28, 29 & 30, St. Paul, Minnesota
Friends of Sabeel Conference
One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths: Time for Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace
Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary
2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota
Registration & Program info: http://www.fosna.org/files/fosna/events/Brochure.StPaul.Oct2010.pdf
Nov 2-4, 2010, North Carolina
Naim Ateek will speak in Davidson, Charlotte, Burlington, and Durham.
Click here to see Rev. Ateek's full schedule of public events in North Carolina.
Saturday, November 6, 2010, Atlanta, Georgia
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Is Peace with Justice Possible in Israel/Palestine?
Trinity Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
3003 Howell Mill RoadAtlanta, GA 30327
Click here for Conference Schedule, list of speakers, and registration information.
Saturday & Sunday, November 6 & 7, Old Lyme, Connecticut
TREE OF LIFE CONFERENCE—Co-sponsored by Friends of Sabeel
First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
Lyme Street and Ferry Road
Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371860-434-8686
Naim Ateek will give the keynote address on Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:30 PM
Click here to download complete Conference Schedule
Sunday, November 7, 10:45 AM, New York City
Naim Ateek will deliver the sermon during the 10:45 AM service.
The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York City (212) 870-6833
If you wish to watch/listen, the service is live streamed through the church's website. The sermon will be downloadable (for Mp3 players) from "Sermon to Go" which is also available on the church's website.
http://www.theriversidechurchny.org/
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sabeel presentation in D.C. tonight
Washington, D.C notice: Tonight Sabeel DC Metro presentation at the Potter's House, "The Palestinian Christian Cry for Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation in the Holy Land." The time is 7:30 pm. The Potter's House is at 1658 Columbia Rd. NW. It's a free event. When diplomacy fails, we citizens and people of faith get b...usy! Bring your friends and find out about the work of Sabeel! Paul Verduin and Susan Bell, Co-coordinators, Sabeel DC Metro (affiliate of Friends of Sabeel--North America) www.sabeeldc.org
Saturday, October 16, 2010
One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths — Time for Reconciliation, Justice and Peace
Upcoming Sabeel Conference in St. Paul: One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths — Time for Reconciliation, Justice and Peace
See the website: http://www.fosna.org/content/st-paul-mn-conference-oct-29-30
This preview was published in the Metro Lutheran newspaper in Minnesota.
Christians seek way to just peace in Holy Land
Charles P. Lutz
http://metrolutheran.org/2010/09/christians-seek-way-to-just-peace-in-holy-land/
To what are Christians called in the quest for a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis? Responses to that question will be central to a conference at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, October 29-30.
Some 300 Minnesota church members are expected to meet under the theme “One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths — Time for Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace.” The conference is planned around the vision of Sabeel, the international peace movement initiated by Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land. It is sponsored by Friends of Sabeel North America, with more than 30 Minnesota church groups as co-sponsors.
A variety of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders will make presentations on both theology and politics of Israel/ Palestine peace-seeking. Among the highlights will be a keynote talk by Naim Ateek, Anglican priest who is founding president of the Sabeel Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem.
Other presenters scheduled are Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American Christian who chairs the Free Gaza Movement; Mark Braverman, Jewish American who probes the role of religious beliefs in interfaith discourse on Israel/Palestine; Dr. Don Wagner of Chicago’s North Park University, a specialist in Christian Zionism; and Dr. Fouzi Slisli, faculty member at St. Cloud State University, who will explore Islamic political cultures among Palestinians.
Cindy and Craig Corrie will present the peace-building activity of the Rachel Corrie Foundation, which they established after their daughter was killed in 2003 by an Israeli bulldozer as she protested its demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza.
Work opportunities in the Holy Land, both short- and long-term, will be shared by a panel of Minnesota church persons who have recently served there.
The conference will run Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Cost for the event (two meals included) is $90; $45 for students. Friday only or Saturday only (with one meal) is $45. For more program details and to register, go to www.fosna.org/.
Co-chairs for conference planning are a pair of ELCA Lutherans, Kathy Adam of Plymouth, Minnesota, and Lynne Rigg of Red Wing, Minnesota. Rigg, a retired pastor, notes that “Sabeel means ‘the way’ in Arabic. And we expect the conference will help us find our way from peace talking to peace acting.”
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
See the website: http://www.fosna.org/content/st-paul-mn-conference-oct-29-30
This preview was published in the Metro Lutheran newspaper in Minnesota.
Christians seek way to just peace in Holy Land
Charles P. Lutz
http://metrolutheran.org/2010/09/christians-seek-way-to-just-peace-in-holy-land/
To what are Christians called in the quest for a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis? Responses to that question will be central to a conference at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, October 29-30.
Some 300 Minnesota church members are expected to meet under the theme “One Land, Two Peoples, Three Faiths — Time for Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace.” The conference is planned around the vision of Sabeel, the international peace movement initiated by Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land. It is sponsored by Friends of Sabeel North America, with more than 30 Minnesota church groups as co-sponsors.
A variety of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders will make presentations on both theology and politics of Israel/ Palestine peace-seeking. Among the highlights will be a keynote talk by Naim Ateek, Anglican priest who is founding president of the Sabeel Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem.
Other presenters scheduled are Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American Christian who chairs the Free Gaza Movement; Mark Braverman, Jewish American who probes the role of religious beliefs in interfaith discourse on Israel/Palestine; Dr. Don Wagner of Chicago’s North Park University, a specialist in Christian Zionism; and Dr. Fouzi Slisli, faculty member at St. Cloud State University, who will explore Islamic political cultures among Palestinians.
Cindy and Craig Corrie will present the peace-building activity of the Rachel Corrie Foundation, which they established after their daughter was killed in 2003 by an Israeli bulldozer as she protested its demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza.
Work opportunities in the Holy Land, both short- and long-term, will be shared by a panel of Minnesota church persons who have recently served there.
The conference will run Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Cost for the event (two meals included) is $90; $45 for students. Friday only or Saturday only (with one meal) is $45. For more program details and to register, go to www.fosna.org/.
Co-chairs for conference planning are a pair of ELCA Lutherans, Kathy Adam of Plymouth, Minnesota, and Lynne Rigg of Red Wing, Minnesota. Rigg, a retired pastor, notes that “Sabeel means ‘the way’ in Arabic. And we expect the conference will help us find our way from peace talking to peace acting.”
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
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