Behind the news: Visions for peace – Voices of faith Issue no. 16 2 May 2002

Providing church, ecumenical and interfaith information, resources, and analysis on issues of current global concern

Table of Contents 1. Focus on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 2. Statements and actions from the local Christian community 3. Statements and actions from local Palestinian and Israeli peace and human rights organizations 4. Statements and actions of the global church and ecumenical family 5. Inter-religious statements and responses from other faith communities 6. Summaries of inter-governmental response 7. Humanitarian Relief and related issues: Summaries and Links 8. Resources and links for information and action 9. Worship Resources

1. Focus on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Through Behind the News: Visions for Peace – Voices of Faith, Action by Churches Together (ACT International), the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), and the World Council of Churches (WCC) provide alternative voices and perspectives on areas of critical conflict involving and demanding action by people of faith.

Such an area is the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The tragedy of structural as well as physical violence continues to grow, and demands more concerted action among people of faith for justice and true peace in the region. Therefore, this issue of Behind the News focuses on voices and actions for a just peace in the Middle East. Especially when we are bombarded with words and images of fear, violence, death, and diplomatic games, we need to hear what people of faith are saying, be inspired by their non-violent actions, and be motivated to ourselves do more to end the root causes of the violence.

Many churches and ecumenical organizations have been working for decades on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and their past policies and statements now provide a foundation for action in the midst of the current violence. This bulletin will not attempt to summarize such long-standing advocacy. Instead, it will provide some of the statements and actions of the past two months, according to our mandate that:

Behind the News focuses on alternative voices and perspectives behind stories in (or conspicuously absent from) the international news. Visions for Peace highlights statements, ideas and actions that aim to build peace and reconciliation in situations of conflict and violence. Voices of Faith shares information particularly from churches, ecumenical organizations, and other faiths, emphasizing different regional perspectives.

All these statements condemn terrorism and violence. In lifting up these statements and actions, we are very aware that this issue only scratches the surface of what the national and international organizations, churches and faith groups are saying and doing for a just peace in this conflict. But we hope and pray that this service can bring together voices and common resolve to speak clearly, act decisively, and maintain a vision of justice, dignity and peace for all.

2. Statements and actions from the local Christian community

a) Joint statements and actions from the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem:

On March 9, the thirteen patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem* issued a call to “All the people in this Holy Land, Palestinians and Israelis” affirming that “War shelling and destruction will not bring justice and security; rather it will intensify hatred and bitterness.” They stated that “the way the present Israeli Government is dealing with the situation makes neither for security nor for a just peace” and that “Israeli security is dependant on Palestinian freedom and justice.” They also urged the Palestinian people to end “every kind of violent response”. http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/international/9-3-02jerus-call.html

On 2 April, the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem made a public offer to serve as mediators in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians http://www.wfn.org/2002/04/msg00018.html. Over the next two days, the church leaders organized marches and demonstrations, one in Jerusalem leading to the house of Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon, the other to the Bethlehem checkpoint. The church leaders have received no response from political leaders to their offers to mediate http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/news/press/02/08pu.html, and their repeated attempts to enter Bethlehem to encourage a peaceful resolution of the standoff at the Church of the Nativity have been prevented by Israeli soldiers at the Bethlehem checkpoint http://www.wfn.org/2002/04/msg00117.html.

The patriarchs and heads of churches met with US secretary of state Colin Powell on April 14. They presented a memorandum outlining their concerns about the present situation in Palestine and Israel, noting that “Security for Israel means justice and freedom for Palestinians.” They stated that the current conflict is not a “mere question of violence”* “Violence is only a symptom of the root cause of the Middle East conflict, namely, the Israeli ooccupation of 1967 territories,” they said, noting the need for continued interfaith dialogue, cessation of military operations, and international protection key to “secure the lives of the people”.

Their letter concludes, “We have represented Christianity in this part of the world for the last two thousand years. We believe that the future of Palestinian Christianity is also in peace and not in war. We believe that the Christian Church can be an instrument of peace, justice and reconciliation. As Dr Martin Luther King, Jr said, “I have a dream.” Our dream is that these two peoples who represent the three monotheistic religions may live in just peace and freedom, in security and reconciliation. (http://www.wfn.org/2002/04/msg00189.html)

*The patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem represent four families of churches: Greek Orthodox Oriental Orthodox (Armenians, Copts, Ethiopians and Syrians)

Catholics (Roman Catholic [Latin Patriarchate], Custody of the Holy Land, Greek Catholic, Maronites, Syrians, Armenians)

Evangelicals (Anglicans, Lutherans)

In addition to joint efforts, leaders and members of individual churches are providing pastoral care to people suffering from fear, violence and humanitarian crises, and are involved in peacebuilding and advocacy efforts.

b) Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem: The highest-ranking Roman Catholic official in the Middle East, Patriarch Michel Sabbah, strongly criticized Israel for fomenting violence and hatred throughout the region by adopting a policy based on coercion and violence against the Palestinians. Speaking during an interview with the Arabic Service of the BBC on 3 April, he said “The image Israel is trying to portray about what is happening clouds the truth and distorts reality. The real problem here is not terror, it is an entire people being subjected to military occupation and repression.”

The Latin Patriarchate, along with the other Heads of Churches, has attempted to mediate in the standoff at Nativity Church, and issued a brief explanation of the situation following the third consecutive Sunday where Christians in Bethlehem could not attend Catholic, Greek or Armenian Orthodox services in the church. http://www.wfn.org/2002/04/msg00103.html. A comprehensive collection of material on the Latin Patriarchate and from H.B. Michel Sabbah, can be found through http://www.albushra.org and their link to http://go.to/nonviolence

On 5 April, Fr Giacomo Bini, minister general of the Order of Friars Minor, speaking on behalf of all Franciscans who have been the Custodians of the Holy Land since 1217, stated that “We Franciscans cannot allow a tragic slaughter to take place in Bethlehem, at the Nativity Church.” There are 40 Friars, 4 Franciscan nuns, about 30 Orthodox and Armenian monks inside the church compound. The message confirmed the Franciscans’ willingness to work as mediators in the conflict, and called on all heads of state to put aside the use of force. On 11 April, Fr Bini issued another statement confirming that humanitarian intervention is urgently needed, and that the friars in the church are not hostages. The statement further demanded that the Palestinians be allowed to leave the building, and that their safety be assured “so that our Community can resume its work of peace-building”. http://www.fides.org/English/2002/holyland/ebnews020411b.html

c) The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem, H.B. Irineos, Greek Orthodox Patriarch in Jerusalem, has yet to receive endorsement by the Israeli government despite his election by the synod of bishops last August. Under the church’s constitution, election of the patriarch must be approved by the ruling powers in the Holy Land – Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the Kingdom of Jordan. Jordan and the PA have approved the appointment. Ministers in the Israeli government claim that Irineos is pro-Palestinian. During US secretary of state Colin Powell’s visit, the Israeli government approved the appointment, but this has been delayed due to a further protest by a group of government ministers. http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=154269&contrassID =2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Ym Background information on the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate can be found at: http://www.holylight.gr/patria/enpatria.html

d) The Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, The Right Rev. Riah Abu El-Assal, in a message to international friends sent on 24 April, recounts the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied territories, the devastation in many areas and the urgent need for international action. He quotes from Dante “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” Giving thanks for the many letters of support and the prayers, he says work to influence public opinion is still desperately needed. http://www.wfn.org/2002/04/msg00330.html

e) Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan: Bishop Munib Younan reported that on April 16, Israeli defence forces invaded the Lutheran School of Hope in Ramallah. Because all of Ramallah was under curfew, no one was in the school, but neighbours notified the pastor of the Lutheran Church of Hope of sounds of guns, sledgehammers, and broken glass. “It seems that this is not a war against terrorism,” Younan said. “This seems to be a war against the hope and the future of the Palestinian people.” http://listserv.elca.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0204&L=elcanews&D=1&H=1&O=D&F= &S=&P=2867 . This followed a previous search of the school on April 8 in which the pastor was asked by Israeli soldiers to accompany them in searching the school. Rev. Ansara reported afterward that “They would push me first into each room and then would jump into the room with their weapons levelled.” No people or weapons were found in the building. http://www.wfn.org/2002/04/msg00121.html

On April 4, the Israeli Defence Forces entered the compound of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and searched all rooms and offices, detaining the pastor, Rev. Dr Mitri Raheb, and causing significant damage to the building. http://listserv.elca.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0204&L=elcanews&D=1&H=1&O=D&F= &S=&P=539 More information is available through the International Centre of Bethlehem, a part of the Lutheran Church compound, at http://www.annadwa.org

In Bishop Younan’s Easter Message from Jerusalem on March 26, he affirms, “The resurrection of Christ assures us that, no matter what, life is stronger than death. This gives us confidence that the spiralling violence will not have the last word, nor will injustice, occupation, illness, broken relationships, or anything else which tears us down and is against God’s will for all creation. Even if we are crushed, the Resurrection gives us hope that both Palestinians and Israelis can have peace, freedom, reconciliation and security which will lead to the dignity and abundant life God intends for all people. For Palestinian Christians, the Resurrection is the only hope to which we cling.” http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/international/easter.html

Background on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan at: http://www.elca.org/dgm/country_packet/packets/europe-middle_east/palestine/ church.html and http://www.holyland-lutherans.org/ Letters from Jerusalem also posted at http://www.elca.org/dgm/story/jerusalem.asp

f) Members of English-Speaking Christian Communities in the Holy Land, predominantly American, sent an open letter to US secretary of state Colin Powell on April 7, stating that “The increased violence has underscored the failure of successive American administrations to implement defined policies for the resolution of this conflict” and calling on the US government to “finalize a settlement to this conflict in accordance with [United Nations]

resolutions 242, 338 and 1397* Consistency of will to move beyond the rhetoric of US policy and to implement its stated goals will restore the credibility to the peace process and to the role the US government seeks to play as the honest broker of the peace process.” See http://umns.umc.org/02/april/154.htm and the full text at http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/behindthenews/i-p-6.html.

3. Statements, actions and reports from local Palestinian and Israeli peace and human rights organizations

a) International fieldworkers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories from the Danish/Icelandic Christian accompaniment programme, Christian Peacemaker Teams and United Civilians for Peace, issued a joint statement on 5 April describing how their efforts to meet those in need of relief and medical care were undermined by actions of the Israeli army, and urged the European governments to pressure both parties to start negotiations based on the UN Resolutions and Saudi peace proposal. http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/behindthenews/i-p-18.html

LAW – The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment issues almost daily updates on human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, most recently focusing on the investigation of the Israeli army action in the Jenin refugee camp. (http://www.lawsociety.org/) A press release from early March also provides a vivid account of the harrassment of Khader Shkirat, the general director of LAW – the Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment – by the Israeli Intelligence and army in an attempt to find a fugitive whom they thought was hiding in Shkirat’s house. Urgent appeals brought representatives of Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations, Israeli Knesset members, and representatives from European Union consulates to observe and intervene in the threatened demolition of his house, and the Israeli troops eventually left the scene. http://www.lawsociety.org/Press/Preleases/2002/March/mar8.html

B’Tselem: The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories issues daily documentation on human rights violations. http://www.btselem.org/

The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, a non-violent, direct-action group comprised of many members of Israeli peace and human rights organizations, has set up an on-line survey to help plan and finance a rebuilding campaign “The Right to Live in a Homeland: 1000 House Parties to Rebuild Palestinian Homes.” The survey is at http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?2853L0SF37ME8MBTTJHKXGS4. In calling for the campaign, ICAHD coordinator Jeff Halper states, “The systematic demolition of Palestinian homes throughout the Occupied Territories, together with the devastation of the Palestinian infrastructure, goes far beyond mere retaliation for terrorist attacks.” http://www.icahd.org/eng/

Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center (http://www.sabeel.org/ )

issued a statement on March 12 calling for an immediate end of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories as the only solution to the seemingly unending violence in the Middle East. Calling for interventions to “an end to the present deadly cycle of violence”, Sabeel appealed for international protection and return to the negotiating table, lifting up in prayer “the multitude of non-violent methods that people are using to resist”. http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/international/sabeel.html.

The Arab Educational Institute (http://members.tripod.com/aeicenter/aeicenter/) , affiliated to the Pax Christi Movement, has issued appeals to people to put pressure on their governments to compel Sharon to withdraw Israeli forces from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Recent appeals have focused on ending the Israeli siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/behindthenews/i-p-20.html

On April 8, staff of the East Jerusalem YMCA offices reported that the Israeli army blew up and destroyed the entrance and the contents of the offices located in Ramallah. http://www.ymca.int/update_me.htm. This web site also features statements and actions by the World YMCA and national chapters.

The Jerusalem Center for Women issued an open letter on March 8 commemorating International Women’s Day by calling for mutual recognition of individual and collective rights, and an urgent appeal on March 16 noting that “there can be no security for anyone if war crimes are committed with impunity”. http://www.j-c-w.org/monthly%20news.htm

Badil: Resource Center for Palestinian Refugee and Rehabilitation Rights calls the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories a “humanitarian catastrophe” particularly for the refugee community, and calls on the international community to combine immediate humanitarian assistance with international protection and pressure on the Israeli government to abide by international law. http://www.badil.org/Press/2002/press246-02.htm