wfn.org | ELCA Presiding Bishop Supports Comprehensive Middle East Peace

[<NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

Title: ELCA Presiding Bishop Supports Comprehensive Middle East Peace
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

>September 22, 2009  

ELCA Presiding Bishop Supports Comprehensive Middle East Peace
09-203-JD

WASHINGTON (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), signed a Sept. 22 public
letter in support of "strong U.S. leadership to achieve a negotiated
sustainable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict."

Thirty leaders of churches and religious organizations signed the
letter, coordinated through Churches for Middle East Peace.

"We support President (Barack) Obama's determination to provide
sustained, hands-on diplomatic leadership to bring the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict to an end through the creation of two viable, secure and
independent states living side by side in peace and security," the leaders
wrote. The leaders commended the president's leadership and vision to
resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The leaders said that the opportunity for a two-state solution for
achieving peace and security was "rapidly closing."

In their letter, the leaders supported such principles as Israel's
right to exist in security and the Palestinians' right to a viable,
sovereign and secure state of their own. They also noted the need for bold
American leadership to assist both parties in making difficult decisions
and to hold them accountable for any failure to honor their commitments.

"At the appropriate time, we will support the administration if it
decides to present proposals for a just and equitable solution that
provides dignity, security and sovereignty for both peoples," the leaders
wrote.

The leaders said that a comprehensive peace agreement should also
"encompass Syria and Lebanon as well as normalization of relations between
Israel and the countries of the Arab world." They stated that the idea of
a comprehensive regional peace would build on the Arab Peace Initiative.

Despite the argument that some may favor the status quo, the leaders
wrote, "The President should know that we understand the status quo is
unsustainable and time is of the essence."

The leaders pledged to work with Obama to forge a path to peace and
security for the Middle East. They also pledged to work with Israelis and
Palestinians who seek peace, justice and security, and to stand up for
people wanting a better future.

The letter was released the same day as Obama concluded bilateral
meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas in New York. Obama restated the U.S. commitment to
"a just, lasting and comprehensive peace for the Middle East." He said
progress has been made since January, but more work is needed. Obama has
charged U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. envoy George
Mitchell to continue their work in the Middle East, and he asked Clinton
to report back to him by mid-October.

For information contact:

John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog