wfn.org | LWF calls Jerusalem a city of two nations'

[David Pomeroy <wfn@igc.apc.org>]

LWF calls Jerusalem  a city of two nations'
97-HK-E28-AH

     HONG KONG, July 15 (lwi)   The Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
Assembly called Jerusalem "a city of two nations" and called on the Israeli
government and the Palestinian National Authority to resume political
negotiations immediately.  The LWF is a worldwide communion of 124 member
churches, meeting here in Assembly July 8-16.
     The LWF statement adopted today said "the current settlement policy
jeopardizes the peace process."  It went on, "Changes in the situation in
Jerusalem with regard to demography and the land should take place only in
the context of negotiations."
     The action affirmed the churches' role in reconciliation, education
for peace and building understanding.  It specifically encouraged the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan (and Palestine) to continue
ecumenical and interfaith dialogue in the region.
     The statement "reaffirms that Jerusalem is a city of two nations
Israel and Palestine   in which they practice their human and national
rights." It "reiterates that Jerusalem is a city significant for three
religions   Judaism, Christianity and Islam   in which they practice their
full rights of freedom of worship and religion for individuals and
religious communities as well as civil and historical rights which enable
them to carry out their religious, educational, medical and other
activities."
     In another statement the Assembly expressed concern about violations
of the "fundamental human right" of religious freedom and pointed to
increasing religious discrimination and intolerance, "even in countries
with a strong human rights tradition."  
     It asked LWF member churches to "focus on religious freedom" in the
context of other human rights through prayer, Bible study, education and
cooperative programs.
     The LWF "recognizes the need to call all the member churches and the
ecumenical community to redouble their efforts in promoting and defending
religious freedom in their own societies and internationally," the
statement said.

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