World Council of Churches call for end of illegal Israeli occupation
Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/10/2006

The World Council of Churches called on Israel to quit its illegal occupation of the Palestinians, and asked that for effort to establish peace.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) (www.wcc-coe.org) which describes itself as "the broadest and most inclusive among the many organized expressions of the modern ecumenical movement, a movement whose goal is Christian unity. The WCC brings together more than 340 churches, denominations and church fellowships in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world, representing some 550 million Christians."

The group said this week: church groups in a dozen countries and members of the International Pax Christi and Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) networks will participate in a joint advocacy initiative for peace in Palestine and Israel convened by the World Council of Churches (WCC). From Oslo to Cape Town, from Toronto to Jerusalem, concerned groups will lobby parliamentarians, hold public meetings, observe vigils and plant olive trees. Activities will signal to policy-makers and public audiences the churches' conviction that a just and equitable resolution of the conflict is now more urgent than ever. The initiative has been supported by a message from patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem calling Christians around the world to join in the week of March 12-19 "to make a public witness for peace." "Now as the situation continues to deteriorate and opportunities for peace are forsaken it is crucial for Christians to make their voices heard vigorously in the public arena," the message says.

The council said last month "Today one year away from the 40th anniversary of the illegal Israeli Occupation of Palestine we renew our call and urge you to actively participate in the worldwide week of Christian advocacy for a just peace.

"During the last 39 years Churches, Church Leaders and ordinary Christians have worked tirelessly and patiently advocating for Peace in Palestine and Israel. Now as the situation continues to deteriorate and opportunities for peace are forsaken it is crucial for Christians to make their voices heard vigorously in the public arena. Together with the strong and deeply treasured actions of prayer and Christian solidarity, the churches in Jerusalem and the Holy Land need you to speak with the moral authority of the church from the ethical perspective of the Christian faith. Lawmakers and politicians in your country need to know that the Churches are well aware of the on-going suffering caused by the Occupation and the subsequent insecurity and are becoming even more actively involved in seeking a just peace. All national governments have a responsibility to uphold international law and Christians have a role in holding our governments to account.

"We ask all Christians to consider the prophetic role of the Church and the power and importance of public witness so that the sufferings, injustices and insecurity of the Occupation which affects Israelis and Palestinians—be they Christian, Muslims or Jews—becomes an urgent priority for all national governments.

"The positive attention given to the unilateral pullout from the Gaza strip has served to draw world attention away from the realities on the West Bank and East Jerusalem. There is a steady expansion of Israeli military control. Settler blocks continue to grow and land is illegally seized to build a wall which has been condemned internationally. West Bank cities are being choked to death economically and the people live in constant fear of military incursions. The security situation within the Palestinian Territories is in crisis and the Palestinian Authority must be supported in its efforts to impose the rule of law and at the same time be held accountable in fulfilling their responsibilities.

"The price of Occupation is unbearably high for those living in Israeli as well. The country is dominated by insecurity, fear and poverty at the same time social inequalities spiral out of control.

"Palestinian Christians face the same struggles and suffer the same desperate situation as all other Palestinians but we also face an alarming rate of migration out of Palestine. The Christian presence in Palestine is important for the whole society and we are concerned for the future of our community and for the institutions that serve all Palestinians.

"The same solution is required to end the suffering both in Israel and Palestine: A just peace reached through negotiations guided by international law. An end to the illegal Occupation is the first step towards real peace and security for both Israel and Palestine. Peace, Justice and Security for Palestine will bring Peace, Justice and Security for Israel", the World Council of Churches said.

Previous Stories:
  New York Times: Jewish Settlers Harass Palestinians   (3/8/2006)
  Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians, demolish houses   (3/6/2006)
  Jewish attack targeting Beshara church in al-Nasera   (3/4/2006)
  Church of England to divest companies profiting from Israel's occupation of Palestinians   (2/7/2006)
  Presbyterians support church decision to divest of companies harming Palestinians   (8/8/2005)
  National Council of Churches ends middle east visit, issues sobering statement   (2/8/2005)
  Al-Seyassah: Bishop of Jerusalem Episcopal Church warns against Judaization   (8/16/2004)
  Al-Dostour: Orthodox Church condemns silence towards Sharon's crimes   (4/5/2004)
  US National Council of the Churches deplores the Israeli separation wall   (11/13/2003)
  Church of Nativity agreement states expelling six Palestinians, 35 for trials   (5/7/2002)
  British churches condemn Israeli occupation   (3/16/2002)
  American churches council condemns Israeli crimes   (6/13/2001)

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