An open letter about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians From Christian Religious Leaders in Massachusetts

New outbreaks of violence between the state of Israel and people in the Palestinian Authority are reported almost daily. These tragic actions underscore the need for fresh approaches to stop reciprocal actions of violence, to counter the culture of blame, and to create a climate of responsibility that will enable the resumption of peace negotiations. All of us anguish over these times. So many innocents-Israelis and Palestinians-are weary with suffering. As Christian religious leaders in the United States, we assert the urgent need to stop the violence, resume negotiations, and address the humanitarian crisis that accompanies the current situation. These concerns are held by a growing number of clergy and laity, as well. We urge all governmental officials to "seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)

Our common faith traditions-Christian, Jewish, and Muslim--have strong commitments to justice and peace. We long to make the world a better place for all God's children. These deeply held religious convictions inform our ethical concerns. And so we are moved to ask of ourselves and others: What have we acceded to that we should have resisted? What has not been done that could be? What has been unchallenged that should be?

All of us long for peace and security in the Middle East. We are firmly committed to the right of the state of Israel to exist in security and tranquility. We also affirm the need for an autonomous Palestinian state with equal confidence and freedom from fear. Furthermore, we urge leaders on both sides of the conflict to consider not only the obvious, but also the potentially unintended consequences of their actions. For example, the existence and expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza pose a particular barrier and challenge to the resolution of the ongoing tensions.

Many Christian churches have companion relationships with congregations, religious leaders, and dioceses in Israel and in the areas of the Palestinian Authority. These strong connections to Christians in the Middle East-a populace that is shrinking, the dwindling which in itself is problematic-- also inform our perspective, and put a "human face" on the plight of Palestinians.

The persistent violence is causing a humanitarian crisis. All people in the area fear for their safety-indeed, for their very survival. Many of those who live in the West Bank and Gaza also lack some of the basic necessities of life, such as adequate shelter, health care, education, and employment. This persistent deprivation fosters an atmosphere of instability that cannot be in the long-term security interests of anyone in the region.

United States foreign policy has played and will continue to play a pivotal role in the region. The United Nations also could help create a climate enabling the resumption of peace negotiations. For this reason, we turn to United States government officials to assume appropriate responsibility to end outbreaks of violence and resume dialogue that will lead to a livable solution for all the affected parties to the conflict. We encourage others to do so, as well.

Entering this dialogue is fraught with risk. The issues underlying the conflict are complex and convoluted, "something like a wheel within a wheel." (Ezek. 10:10) We are, in some sense, "outsiders" to the conflict. We urge our hearers, however, not to dismiss all we say because something we say may lack full comprehension of the situation. In fact, if we were to acquiesce to a sense of powerlessness it only would compound the sense of isolation by people in the region.

From an ethical perspective, part of our religious vocation is to contribute to the well-being of the world. Because all of us are part of the same human family created by God, "If one member suffers, all suffer together…" (1 Corinthians 12:26) Sometimes such a situation benefits from "outsiders" who stand beside to ask questions and to listen with fresh ears, who seek to be pastoral and prophetic at the same time. If we dare to dream in days when the only dreams seem to be nightmares, then let us ask-and ask together-what would be a good society for Israelis and Palestinians in that region? The role we seek for everyone who wants peace with justice is the risk of proactive, responsible engagement--a role we urge our governmental officials to pursue with renewed vigor.

List of signers:

The Rev. Terry Burke, Ecumenical Officer, Council of Christian Churches within the
Unitarian Universalist Association
The Rt. Rev. Roy F. (Bud) Cederholm Jr., Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of
Massachusetts
The Most Rev. John A. Elya, Eparch of Newton, Melkite
The Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
Bishop Susan Wolfe Hassinger, Boston Area, United Methodist Church
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon, Greek Orthodox Diocese of Boston
Bishop Margaret Payne, New England Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Canon Edward Rodman, President, Massachusetts Council of Churches
The Rt. Rev. Gordon Scruton, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts
The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
The Rev. Dr. Linda Spoolstra, Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of
Massachusetts
The Rev. Dr. Nancy Taylor, Minister and President, Massachusetts Conference, United
Church of Christ
Elder Jane E. Wick, Interim General Presbyter, Presbytery of Boston
The Rev. Dr. Diane C. Kessler, Executive Director, Massachusetts Council of Churches

February 21, 2002

Mass. Council of Churches 14 Beacon Street, Ste. 416, Boston, MA 02108