WASHINGTON,
D.C.-- Amidst continuing negotiations for a Middle Eastern peace agreement, Churches for
Middle East Peace (CMEP), a coalition of church agencies in Washington D.C., of which the
National Council of Churches (NCC) is a founding member, has released new congregational
resources urging an inclusive Jerusalem.
Distributed as
part of the “Shared Jerusalem” campaign that was started by CMEP in 1996 and has
continued through local groups ever since, the new materials recognize Jerusalem’s
importance for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Initially,
“Shared Jerusalem” focused on informing the general public. The revived campaign concentrates on raising the
consciousness of congregations.
David Weaver, Middle East Director of
Church World Service/NCC, believes uniting congregations is the first step toward sharing
Jerusalem. “We want to mobilize
congregations to make their statements heard, and to make sure that Congress is aware that
there are other points of view,” Mr. Weaver said. “As Christians and churches we
feel we have a unique relationship with Jerusalem. We
have a unique perspective and a unique voice to contribute to the discussions.”
The recently released resources
include a colorful poster and other worship and study materials. More than 16,000 sets are being distributed
through NCC member communions who are also CMEP members, including the United Church of
Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, The Episcopal
Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed
Church in America, and United Methodist Church.
While the revived initiative is
designed to inform congregations about the Israeli and Palestinian struggles over
Jerusalem, it also is intended to serve as a catalyst for change. By encouraging members
of congregations to get involved individually and collectively with such efforts as
writing to Congress, CMEP ultimately hopes to “create a Jerusalem that is a sign of
peace and a symbol of reconciliation for all humankind.”
More than 600 top leaders of
Christian organizations already have endorsed the “Shared Jerusalem” initiative.
To receive the new “Shared Jerusalem”
materials, write Churches for Middle East Peace,110 Maryland Ave. NE, Suite 10,
Washington, DC 20002 or visit CMEP’s Shared Jerusalem Resource Center at
www.cmep.org.
-end-
Contact: NCC News
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