wfn.org | 'Jerusalem Appeal' applauded

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3030 notes).

Note 3027 by UMNS on June 24, 1996 at 16:19 Eastern (2634 characters).

SEARCH: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Jerusalem, peace, Palestinian,
rights, Middle East, World Methodist Council

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CONTACT: Thomas S. McAnally                    313(10-21-71){3027}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             June 24, 1996

Christian, Muslim 'Jerusalem Appeal'
applauded by World Methodist Council executive

                 by United Methodist News Service

     A "Jerusalem Appeal" issued in Beirut, Lebanon, by Christian
and Muslim leaders has been applauded by the Rev. Joe Hale,
general secretary of the World Methodist Council.
     The appeal, issued following a June 14-17 meeting of 300
spiritual leaders and about 70 advisors, calls on Christians and
Muslims throughout the world to support Palestinian rights.
     Hale, of Lake Junaluska, N.C., describes the statement as
"fair to all and timely."
     The appeal criticizes what the leaders see as Israel's
attempt to "enforce (on Jerusalem) its plans of settlement,
judaization, displacement and destruction."  It also rejects any
suggestion that Jerusalem should be internationalized.  The only
solution is one "where Arab sovereignty, linking Jerusalem to
Palestine, is restored."
     The appeal claims Israel has only been able to violate Arab
human rights because it has had the support of "various
international powers."  These powers should "refrain from aiding
(Israeli) aggression" say the Christian and Muslim  leaders.
     World Council of Churches staff member Tarek Mitri said the
intent of the religious leaders is to "speak out forcefully and
show that the Christians and Muslims are united on the question of
Jerusalem and that the issue must remain on the world's agenda."
     Hale said Jerusalem "is sacred to, and loved by 1.8 billion
Christians, 1 billion Muslims, and 18 million Jews.  Two of these
three faith communities represent half the population of the
world.  The figures in themselves call for a generous and gracious
sharing.
     "The domination and transformation of Jerusalem according to
the will of one group, and after its likeness, poisons
relationships and destroys any hope for peace -- that peace the
Psalmist says we should all pray for (Psalms 122:6)."
                              #  #  #

     EDITORS NOTE: Full text of appeal available upon request:
(615) 742-5470.
     
     

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