Churches of 40 countries give witness for Mid-East peace

World Council of Churches

In Australia a broad spectrum of church leaders came together to address national public opinion makers on the Israel-Palestine conflict and launch a parish awareness kit. In Scotland a cross-party group in Parliament met with Christian, Jewish and Muslim representatives. In Budapest, Hungary's second largest church sent letters about peace for Israelis and Palestinians to the national and foreign governments. In Norway the foreign minister and a Palestinian bishop addressed a multi-religious peace service.

In these and some 40 countries last week, there were peace vigils, seminars, concerts, festivals and public gatherings. The activities were part of a joint advocacy initiative, "International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel, 4-10 June 2008", convened by the World Council of Churches. Many used a special prayer for the week from church leaders and a common message saying "It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace".

"Knowing that churches all over the world are supporting a just peace means a lot for Palestinians, Christian and Muslim, in this 60th anniversary year," said Nora Carmi in Jerusalem, one of the week's planners and a staff member at Sabeel, a church-related organization. Read more...