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interfaith statement of principles New York, September 22, 2009 -- The National Council of Churches, along with Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and other individuals and groups, has supported unilateral commitments being urged upon Israeli, Palestinian and Arab leaders to rekindle the peace process in the Middle East.
Standing with Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Abbas today in new York, President Obama declared, "my message to these two is clear. Despite all the obstacles, all the history, all the mistrust, we have to find a way forward.”
"We must indeed find a way forward," said Kinnamon. "The pain and suffering caused by this conflict cannot be calculated. Those of us who trace our faith to Abraham share both a common bond and a common agony that the Holy Land remains a venue of endless bitterness and bloodshed. It has to stop, and stopping it must be a major moral commitment by all of us." Ambassador Clark, addressing the National Council of Churches Governing Board, meeting here September 22, invited board members to ask their constituents to send a message to the President "that they support U.S. efforts to bring a just, lasting and comprehensive peace to the Holy Land."
Sticking points between Israel and the Palestinian leadership can only be resolved "by bold American leadership" that can "help Israelis and Palestinians make the difficult decisions necessary to achieving lasting peace and hold the parties to account should they fail to honor their commitments." Another principle affirmed by the religious leaders is that other Arab nations, including Syria and Lebanon, must be a part of the peace building. "We support the idea of a comprehensive regional peace that builds on the Arab Peace initiative, with its offer of recognition and normalization of relations between Israel and all Arab nations in exchange for resolution of all outstanding issues." The statement expressed support of Mr. Obama's efforts to end Israeli settlement growth and Palestinian violence. "It is now time to move to the next state of diplomacy to address the tough issues that must be resolved to bring this conflict to a end." The full text of the religious leaders' message to the President follows: We come from varied ethnic backgrounds and religious faiths that are diverse. We are Democrats and Republicans. We are veterans of war and of the struggle for peace. Together, we are all Americans. We find common cause in supporting strong U.S. leadership to achieve a negotiated, sustainable resolution to the Arab-Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli conflicts – a fundamental American interest that crosses racial, ethnic and religious lines. We support President Obama’s determination to provide sustained, hands-on diplomatic leadership to bring the Israeli-Palestinian and broader Arab-Israeli conflict to an end through the creation of two viable, secure and independent states living side by side in peace and security. The President has made resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a top priority since his very first day in office, and we commend his leadership. We applaud the vision the President has laid out for peace in the Middle East and the challenge he has laid down to all of us to help work for Middle East peace and a more positive future for the people of the region and the world. This is a moment of great opportunity and urgency. After decades of tragic conflict, many Israelis and Palestinians despair of the possibility of peace. While the international community and majorities of the Israeli and Palestinian people are committed to a two-state solution as the best option for achieving peace and security, the window of opportunity is rapidly closing. We express our support for the President’s efforts to chart a path to a better future and to the following principles: · • We support both Israel’s right to exist in security and the right of the Palestinian people to a viable, sovereign state of their own. · • A peace agreement will need to fulfill UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and resolves critical issues of importance to the parties and the region including refugees, borders, Jerusalem, settlements, and security. · • The Israelis and Palestinians, however, have not – on their own – been able to reach agreement. After nearly two decades, we believe only bold American leadership can help Israelis and Palestinians make the difficult decisions necessary to achieve lasting peace and hold the parties to account should they fail to honor their commitments. · • We support the sense of real urgency that the President brings to the issue and applaud his determination to reach a negotiated resolution to the conflict during his first term in office. · • At the appropriate time, we will support the Administration if it decides to present proposals for a just and equitable solution that provides dignity, security and sovereignty for both peoples. · • Finally, we believe peace must be comprehensive – encompassing Syria and Lebanon as well as normalization of relations between Israel and the countries of the Arab world. We support the idea of a comprehensive regional peace that builds on the Arab Peace Initiative, with its offer of recognition and normalization of relations between Israel and all Arab nations in exchange for resolution of all outstanding issues. Both sides must take steps to move the process forward, and we support the President’s efforts to end Israeli settlement growth, to halt Palestinian violence and incitement. It is now time to move to the next stage of diplomacy and to address the tough issues that must be resolved to bring this conflict to an end. There are many who will attempt to block the path to peace. They may believe that the status quo favors their interests or that time is on their side. The President should know that we understand the status quo is unsustainable and time is of the essence. We will stand with him as he promotes a fair and just resolution to this long-standing conflict and asks all parties to make the difficult but ultimately necessary compromises for peace. We pledge to work with the President, to forge the path to peace and security for the Middle East. We also pledge to work with those in both societies who seek peace, justice, and security, and to stand up for those who hope for a better future for themselves and for the generations that follow. Sincerely,
Frank Anderson
Dr. Ziad Asali
Jeremy Ben-Ami
Ambassador Warren Clark
Debra DeLee
The Rev. Mark Hanson
Father Theodore Hesburgh
The Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard
Dr. Joel C. Hunter
Rev. Bill Hybels
Lynne Hybels
Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon
Rabbi Peter Knobel
Rabbi Charles Kroloff
Imam Mohamed Magid
Salam Al-Marayati
Rev. John McCullough
Rev. Peter Morales
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick
David Neff
Rev. Gradye Parsons
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf
Dr. Bob Roberts, Jr.
George Salem, Esq.
Roland Santiago
The Most Rev. Bishop Katherine Jefferts
Schori
Ron Sider
Rev. John H. Thomas
Jim Zogby This letter reflects the opinions of the individual signatories. Institutions are listed for identification purposes only. NCC News contact: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2228 (office), 914-589-6948 (cell) , pjenks@ncccusa.org |