Arabic-language 'Upper Room' editor criticizes Mideast policy
Aug. 17, 2006 News media contact: Tim Tanton * (615) 7425470* Nashville {489}
NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Tom McAnally*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - U.S. policies in the Middle East would change if the Christian church, a "sleeping giant," would speak out in a loud voice against injustice and violence.
That opinion was expressed with strong emotion Aug. 16 by the Rev. Albert Isteero, a longtime Christian leader from the Middle East, who spoke at the weekly worship service at the Upper Room Chapel. He also described the challenges that Christians face in Muslim countries.
Isteero, an Egyptian, has been editor of the Arabic-language edition of The Upper Room daily devotional guide since the mid-1960s, except for nine years when he was studying in the United States. A Presbyterian clergyman, he earned three masters' degrees, two doctorates, and taught at Hartford (Conn.) Seminary and John Hopkins University, Baltimore.
In an interview with United Methodist News Service following the service, Isteero condemned U.S. support "without reservation" of Israel in the conflict with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Isteero lived in Lebanon for 13 years while serving as general secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches and now resides in Cairo.
Israel was given the "green light" by the United States for a conflict that resulted in the deaths and maiming of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions from southern Lebanon, Isteero said. "The United States, a so-called Christian country, has a double standard. With one hand it gives bombs to Israel and with the other it gives milk and flour to those affected by the bombs. Is this Christian? Forget Christian, is this human?" Terrorism, he declared, is "initiated by the policy of the United States."
Civilians were also killed in or displaced from northern Israel in rocket attacks by Hezbollah guerrillas. A cease-fire took effect Aug. 14, after the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution Aug. 11 calling for an end to the fighting. Lebanese troops, backed by international peacekeepers, will be deployed in southern Lebanon as a buffer force between Hezbollah guerrillas and Israel.
Isteero called the war in Iraq a "big mistake," and said the United States has caused more harm there than Saddam Hussein. "It is impossible to quickly create democracies in the world where they have not existed. That takes centuries."
He questioned how long the United States would provide around-the-clock Marine bodyguards to Iraqi cabinet members or salaries to governmental department heads. "The United States is building an artificial structure. If the United States wanted to fight terrorism effectively, it could have spent money and deployed Marines to secure its own borders," he said.
America has lost its credibility overseas, Isteero said. Asked what should be done in a world where terrorism is a growing threat, he called for dialogue.
"When you kill people, revenge is the natural human response. We must learn to talk and listen."
Oppressed Christians
As a member of a minority religion in all countries of the Middle East, Isteero understands oppression by Muslims and Islamic governments. Only 10 to 15 percent of Egypt's population of 78 million is Christian, he said. At one time, Lebanon's population was 55 percent Christian and 45 percent Muslim, but he said that percentage is reversed today.
As an example of oppression, Isteero described the difficulty Christians in Muslim nations have in obtaining approval to build churches. In some countries, such as Egypt, he said it takes years to get a license to build a new church, and even then there is no guarantee. In other countries, buildings are prohibited. Jordan and Bahrain are among the more tolerant countries, he said.
In Egypt, Isteero said Christians can worship freely, but they are not allowed to preach openly or evangelize outside church buildings. Muslims broadcast on television 24 hours a day, he said, while Christians are denied any time except for very brief programs at Christmas and Easter.
Underground network
The Arabic edition of The Upper Room has been kept alive largely because of Isteero's efforts, according to Dale Rust Waymack, staff member of the Upper Room in Nashville. "He has been able to keep (it) alive, though struggling financially, oftentimes distributing the daily devotional guide through an underground network of Christians."
The Arabic edition is mailed to about 5,000 subscribers in 22 countries. Isteero said he has few problems printing the quarterly booklet but runs into difficulties regarding shipping. Some countries such as Algeria reject the distribution of any Christian literature.
Amid the growing tensions in the world, particularly the Middle East, the Rev. Thomas Albin said the Upper Room plays a critical role. "We are a world prayer movement of at least 2.8 million people that provides spiritual energy needed on all sides of conflict and shares Christ's primary message of love and peace." Albin is dean of The Upper Room Chapel.
In his message during the chapel service, Isteero identified significant events that took place in the biblical "upper room." He spoke of the celebration of the Lord's Supper, the revelation of the risen Lord, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
It was in the upper room that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and assured a doubting Thomas. The foot washing, Isteero said, challenges the church to be in ministry as Jesus emphasized service to others, declaring, "I come to serve, not to be served."
The global nature of Christian fellowship is embraced through the publications and programs of the Upper Room, a unit of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. The daily devotional guide is published in 81 editions and 42 languages. The Upper Room Chapel and Museum is a popular stop for visitors who came from more than 30 countries last year. The Rev. Stephen D. Bryant is the world editor and publisher of The Upper Room.
*McAnally is a freelance writer and former director of United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Tim Tanton or Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org
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