wfn.org | Episcopalians: Text of Presiding Bishop's letters to Bush, Powell

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

April 5, 2002

2002-088

Episcopalians: Text of Presiding Bishop's letters to Bush, 
Powell

April 5, 2002The Honorable George W. Bush President of 
the United StatesThe White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, 
NW Washington, DC  20500

Dear Mr. President:

Amid the terrible surge of violence in the Holy Land, I wish 
to thank you for your decision to send Secretary of State Colin 
Powell to the region and for your call for Israeli forces to 
withdraw from Palestinian cities.  I am truly alarmed by the 
massive military response of Israel to the deplorable suicide 
bombings, and particularly by the reported executions, denial of 
access by medical personnel, and immense destruction of property 
and infrastructure. Clearly, the two parties in this conflict no 
longer have the means or the will to control events.

Given the urgency of the crisis, I ask that you send 
Secretary Powell if humanly possible without delay rather than 
next week.. Any delay will allow for the violence to continue 
unabated, and many more people will lose their lives. Time is of 
the essence.

Further, I would like to formally request the opportunity to 
bring a group of Christian leaders to meet with you in support 
of peace-building in the Holy Land.

Please be assured of my prayers during this difficult time, 
as the weight of these important decisions bear upon you.

Yours sincerely,

The Most Rev. Frank T. GriswoldPresiding Bishop and 
PrimateThe Episcopal Church, USA

April 5, 2002The Honorable Colin PowellSecretary of 
StateU.S. Department of State2201 C Street, 
NWWashington, DC  20520

Dear Mr. Secretary:

Amid the terrible surge of violence in the Holy Land, I am 
grateful for your commitment to the difficult work of 
peace-building. Given the urgency of the crisis, it would be my 
strongest hope that you would undertake your mission there as 
soon as humanly possible. Any delay will allow for the violence 
to continue unabated, and many more people may die.

I am truly alarmed by the massive military response of Israel 
to the deplorable suicide bombings, and particularly by the 
reported executions, the denial of access by medical personnel, 
and the immense destruction of property and infrastructure. 
Clearly, the two parties in this conflict no longer have the 
means or the will to control events.

I write particularly to suggest that you meet with the 
Christian leadership in Jerusalem, including the Palestinian 
bishops of the Latin, Lutheran, and Episcopal churches.  Our 
churches are, of course, committed to nonviolence and have 
substantial influence with the Palestinian Authority.  Our own 
Bishop Riah Abu El-Assal of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem 
stands ready to assist in facilitating such a meeting.

Please be assured of my prayers during this difficult time, 
as the weight of this important work bears upon you.

Yours sincerely,

The Most Rev. Frank T. GriswoldPresiding Bishop and 
PrimateThe Episcopal Church, USA

------