WCC NEWS: Palestine's UN application: WCC sees opportunity for peace

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World Council of Churches - News

WCC SEES OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE IN PALESTINE'S UN APPLICATION

For immediate release: 28 September 2011

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has today urged strong positive
action by the United Nations on behalf of Palestine. While the WCC has
advocated justice for Palestinians and Israelis for decades, the United
Nations Security Council’s consideration of full membership for
Palestine was hailed by the WCC and regional churches as an opportunity
for peace.

In his statement, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, the general secretary of the
WCC, said, “It is now a unique opportunity for the UN to take important
decisions, to fulfil its role according to the UN charter, to make peace
with justice prevail between Israelis and Palestinians, and with their
neighbours.”

Tveit further adds, “Across the Arab world, people are standing up for
their freedom and dignity to establish democratic states. Now it is
appropriate that the UN actively supports the establishment of a
democratic Palestinian state.”

He further signified the role of UN in positive efforts in the region,
saying, “Yesterday’s announcement in Israel of plans to build 1,100
more housing units on occupied territory is a stark reminder, why sober
deliberation, genuine courage and responsible actions by the UN are
necessary”.

Along with the heads of churches in Jerusalem, Tveit stresses the “need
to intensify the prayers and diplomatic efforts for peace between
Palestinians and Israelis, considering this most appropriate time for such
an opportunity”.

Full text of the statement by WCC general secretary (Link:
http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?RDCT=43ac8b416fd55d2eb8b8 )

Communiqué from the Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem
(Link:
http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?RDCT=eb0ba505d147fc9241f8
on UN General Assembly September 2011[1].pdf )


The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness 
and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of 
churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, 
Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million 
Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman 
Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, 
from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.



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