wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Stated clerk praises Israelis for Gaza pullout

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8904 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05481
Sept. 14, 2005

Kirkpatrick lauds Israelis for Gaza pullout

PC(USA) clerk says removal of settlements presents 'a clear moment of hope'

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - The Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.), has sent a letter to Israeli leaders praising them for the
removal of all settlements in Gaza and four settlements in the West Bank.

	In the letter, addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon,
President Moshe Katsav and Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, Kirkpatrick said the
PC(USA) "is encouraged" by the Israeli government's decision not to expand
the Maale Adumim settlement between the Biblical cities of Bethany and
Jerusalem.

	Kirkpatrick called the decisions "bold, important steps" that
"present a clear moment of hope for the region."

	Kirkpatrick said he realizes the Gaza pullout caused great pain to
many Israeli settlers, and said the PC(USA) is praying "that these wounds
will be healed." 

	He said the denomination will continue to push for the cessation of
actions by both Israelis and Palestinians "that violate human rights and
impede peace," including terrorist attacks, settlement expansions,
construction of the "separation barrier," and home demolitions.

	"Our deepest hope," he concluded, "remains for justice, peace, and
security for all Israelis and Palestinians."

	The text of the letter, dated Sept. 13:

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
President Moshe Katsav
Mayor Ehud Olmert 

	Grace and peace to you. 

	On behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.), we take this opportunity to commend you for recent actions to
remove all of the settlements in Gaza and four settlements in the West Bank.
We are also encouraged by your decision not to expand the Maale Adumim
settlement with an additional 3,500 units. These are bold, important steps in
the direction of compliance with international law and a peaceful solution to
the conflict. They present a clear moment of hope for the region.

	We are thankful that the evacuation of settlers occurred without
extreme violence or loss of life. Nevertheless, we recognize the pain many
Israelis felt as citizens were removed, some against their will, from their
homes and communities. We pray that these wounds will be healed, and that
those who have been uprooted may know welcome and hospitality, and soon feel
at home in their new surroundings.

	We remain concerned about the future of the Gaza Strip. With severe
economic, political, and social challenges facing it, Gaza needs support from
all quarters to succeed as a good home for its residents and a good neighbor
to Israel and the world. Israel's role, remaining in control of Gaza's
borders, needs to be worked out through negotiations with the Palestinian
Authority. We encourage you to work toward Gaza's success by fulfilling your
commitment to a "safe passage" between Gaza and the West Bank, removing
export impediments on Palestinian goods, and enabling construction of a
seaport and rehabilitation of the airport.

	We continue to call on both the state of Israel and the Palestinian
Authority to cease actions that violate human rights and impede peace.
Continuing terrorism, settlement expansion, construction of the Separation
Barrier, and home demolitions indicate the continued need for the hard work
of peacemaking.

	We are hopeful that the Gaza disengagement reflects the commitment of
a courageous leadership willing to make difficult decisions on behalf of
peace and justice throughout the region.

	We believe that God has called us to do justice, to love mercy, and
to walk humbly with our Creator. In this region, which holds so many special
places for us, our deepest hope remains for justice, peace, and security for
all Israelis and Palestinians.

	In all these things, we give glory to God.

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