wfn.org | World Methodists express concern for Middle East peace

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

March 27, 2002  News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212) 870-38037New York
10-21-71B{135}

By United Methodist News Service

Officers of the World Methodist Council believe Israel must end its
occupation of Palestine in order to achieve peace in the region.

"We believe the fundamental requirement for a settlement and an enduring
peace has two parts: the prompt end of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian
areas and a withdrawal to the borders of June 4, 1967, which includes
Jerusalem and the land upon which settlements have been constructed during
almost 35 years of military occupation," said a letter signed by His
Eminence Sunday C. Mbang of Nigeria, council president, and the Rev. George
Freeman, top staff executive.

Officers approved the March 22 letter during a meeting at the council's
headquarters in Lake Junaluska, N.C. It was sent to U.S. President George
Bush, Israeli President Ariel Sharon, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat,
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

"We understand the pain experienced within the present situation in the
Middle East," the World Methodist Council leaders wrote. "However, we
believe that the disproportionate use of violence or initiatives further
diminishes hopes or aspirations for peace with security."

As the current conflict appears to spin out of control, the officers said
they join with the Israelis and Palestinians who believe that only a return
to the 1967 borders will bring peace. "The Saudi proposal offers this, and
we believe it is the best hope presently voiced. Neither Israeli military
force and incursions that destroy Palestinian infrastructure, hopes and
property - not to speak of innocent lives - or Palestinian suicide bombers
will offer peace or the opportunity for people on both sides to 'get on with
their lives.'"

The letter urges the politicians to use their authority to bring about "a
complete separation to the 1967 lines, including Jerusalem, as it was formed
in 1948, and to the borders as Palestine was drawn before the occupation of
the Palestinian area ... by the Israeli army in June 1967."

The World Methodist Council represents 71 million Methodists in 130
different countries.  
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