Christian Leaders in Jerusalem Call for Prayer

JERUSALEM (01/17/2007) -- The heads of a number of Christian churches in
Jerusalem have called upon their brothers and sisters around the world to
offer "intense prayer for peace and an opportunity for calm" amidst
increasing strife between factions in the region. The leaders, who represent
congregations belonging to a number of Orthodox and Protestant churches,
wrote because they see a dangerous deadlock in the current situation,
leading to anxiety for all the people of the area.

Their message follows:

As Leaders of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem concerned at the present
situation in the Palestinian Territories we feel we must voice our anxiety
for all our people--Christian and Moslem alike--at the deteriorating
relations between Fatah and Hamas leaders and the armed forces.

It would appear that all kinds of mediation and attempts at reconciliation
have so far failed resulting in a dead lock in the situation. The latest
allegations and threats which have been aired through the local and
international media have resulted in some large scale fighting which soon
will be very difficult to stop. Added to this, the threatening language of
the last few days by representatives of both movements and other related
parties are both unprecedented and very aggressive. Such occurrences can
only bring a civil war nearer by the hour. The outcome would be so drastic
that it will obscure the real priorities of the whole Palestinian issue.

So we feel the time has come to call for intense prayer to Almighty God for
peace and an opportunity for calm in order that all parties can consider
carefully the various issues at stake. Instead of hurling accusations at
each other we would urge everyone to pray for their neighbors in the widest
possible sense. It is surely time to unite rather than collide. Fighting and
kidnapping opponents will not bring down the Security Wall or end the
embargo on the Palestinian people.

We believe we have an obligation to change course especially for the sake of
all our children and young people who deserve a better future devoid of
hatred and bitterness. Bloodshed and violence will not bring peace it will
only further destroy family life and further endanger the economy of our
land.

The time has come for all our effort to unite our people and so concentrate
on working for Independence together with the opportunity for all the people
of this Holy Land--Christian, Moslem and Jew--to know security and peace.

We are ready to play our part in attempting to end the present situation as
quickly as possible as mediators or in whatever role deemed necessary and
helpful by our people. It is vital to bring a real sense of unity in
government; to unite the security forces; remove arms from our streets and
encourage the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to return to the negotiating
table.

In conclusion we would remind everyone of the words of our Blessed Lord:

"Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God."
(Matt. 5:9)

Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
Patriarch Michel Sabbah, Latin Patriarchate
Patriarch Torkom II, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate
Fr. Pier Battista Pizzaballa, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land
Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate
Archbishop Swerios Malki Mourad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate
Abune Matthias, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate
Archbishop Paul Nabil Sayyah, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate
Bishop Riah Abu Al-Assal, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem & the Middle East
Bishop Mounib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan & the Holy Land
Bishop Pierre Malki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
Bishop George Bakar, Greek Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
Fr. Raphael Minassian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

Jamie's Column January 2006

In my annual report this year I will be highlighting three priorities I believe we should focus on as a church in the coming years. One of those priorities is promoting our church's image and identity in the community as a church with the following characteristics:

1. A community of caring, joyful followers of Jesus in whose fellowship friendships are nourished, sin forgiven, good news shared, and love is freely bestowed upon all.
2. A congregation of people with great generosity of mind and spirit, recognizing the faithfulness of others who have found different pathways into the life of God, and realizing their ways are true for them, as our ways are true for us.
3. A community of extravagant hospitality in which the invitation to worship and share in the life of the church is extended to all without insisting that they become like us in order to be acceptable here.
4. A gathering of people who know that the way we behave toward one another is the fullest expression of what we believe.
5. A church dedicated to gestures of peace and reconciliation in the human family, justice among all people, and the protection and restoration of the integrity of God's creation.

I believe there are growing numbers of people who are looking for a church home with these distinctive attributes but who don't know where to find them. Unfortunately, the popular image of the Christianity in America today is that of a closed minded, dogmatic, judgmental community that is afraid of diversity. So we need to get the word out that we are not that kind of church. We need to let people know in a variety of ways that we care for each other, welcome folks wherever they are on their life's journey, are more interested in acts of faithfulness rather than "test" of faith, and try to emulate the example of Jesus, the one in whom we have seen most clearly what a life filled with God looks like.

I hope you will join me in claiming and sharing this dream of what our church can be for people hungry for fellowship, love, acceptance, joy, and caring. The benefits of membership and participation in our congregation are huge. We have Good News to share. So let's begin 2007 committed to inviting and welcoming those seeking the good things we have to offer.

In God's peace,

Jamie