wfn.org | "Invention of History" conference explores intersection of theology, politics

["Allison Schmitt" <aschmitt@elcjhl.org>]

>Date: Sept. 3, 2009

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN JORDAN AND THE HOLY LAND 

P.O. Box 14076 Muristan Road Jerusalem 91140 via Israel

>Phone: 972-2-626-6800   Fax: 972-2-628-5764

Web: www.elcjhl.org       E-mail: administration@elcjhl.org

>Contact: Communication office

>Allison K. Schmitt

>aschmitt@elcjhl.org

"Invention of History" conference explores intersection of theology,
politics

Archeologists, historians, film-makers, theologians and others gathered in
Bethlehem on Aug. 23-29 to discuss how their disciplines have contributed to
the current situation in Israel-Palestine. Participants in the "Invention of
History: A Century of Interplay between Theology and Politics in Palestine"
conference hailed from around the world. Notably, a group of South Africans
reflected on comparisons of the situation here with those in their country
during apartheid.

Organized and hosted by the International Center of Bethlehem, a ministry of
ELCJHL Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, the conference was third in a
series of five designed to generate research, discussion and writings in
support of a just resolution to the conflict. Conference convener Rev. Dr.
Mitri Raheb said there are already two publishers interested in publishing
the papers presented at the conference.

The ELCJHL, with congregations in Israel, Palestine and Amman, Jordan, is
the Middle East's only Lutheran church. It witnesses to the gospel of Jesus
Christ through word and service in conjunction with its many Lutheran
partners around the world. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation,
the Middle East Council of Churches and other internationally-recognized
ecumenical organizations. 

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