wfn.org | Episcopalians: Griswold issues statement on Middle East

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

March 6, 2002

2002-055

Episcopalians:  Griswold issues statement on Middle East

(ENS)Today Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold issued a brief 
statement on the crisis in the Middle East. He sent the 
statement to Secretary of State Colin Powell with his prayers 
as you and your office seek ways to resolve this tragic 
situation with its terrible global consequences. The presiding 
bishop said:

The unbreakable cycle of violence which was set in motion by 
Ariel Sharons provocative visit to the Temple Mount in 
Jerusalem some 18 months ago has led to a tragic loss of Israeli 
and Palestinian lives, many of them innocent civilians. For 
Israelis the issue is security and for the Palestinians the 
issue is continued occupation. To what extent Yasser Arafat is 
willing and able to contain terrorist activities is unclear, as 
is Mr. Sharons desire for peace with the Palestinians. I fear 
that Arafat has become Sharons bin Laden, and perhaps this 
explains why our administration has been so one-sided in its 
approach to this deadly conflict.

Crown Prince Abdullahs plan offers a way forward. I 
sincerely hope that all parties will see it as a potential 
avenue to a just and lasting peace between two peoples who share 
the patrimony of Abraham as Jews, Christians and Muslims. This 
is my earnest prayer.

Frank T. Griswold

Presiding Bishop and Primate

Episcopal Church USA

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