Urgent Peace Appeal from 13 Heads of Christian Churches
JERUSALEM, Mar. 28, 01 (CWNews.com/Fides) - The thirteen
heads of the Christian churches in Jerusalem have issued an
appeal for an "urgent conclusion to the conflict affecting
the lives of thousands in this land" addressed to the
"Israeli Government, the Palestinian Authority, World
Leaders (Secular and Religious), as well as to all men and
women of goodwill."
The heads of the Christian communities, voice their concern
"for the mental and bodily well-being of all the citizens of
this Holy Land, Christian, Muslim, and Jew":
"We believe that the violence which has intensified over
these past months will only end when both parties in the
conflict make a determined effort to respect each other's
rights whilst affirming the dignity and worth of every
human life, man, woman, and child. We are convinced that
peace-seeking negotiations between the Israelis and the
Palestinians are the only assured way of providing for the
well being of all our peoples.
"We would respectfully request protection for all our
people in order to assist the re-establishment of mutual
trust and security for Israeli and Palestinian. Further we
would call on all peace-loving people from around the world
to come and join us in a manifestation of just peace.
"Furthermore, we would ask for even greater assistance from
our brothers and sisters abroad-- Governments, Aid Agencies,
as well as Churches and private individuals-- for those in
need in the areas of conflict. Despite all the kind help to
date (for which we express sincere gratitude) many are
desperate for food, clothing, shelter, and the like. In
this appeal for help we would call to mind the words of
Jesus when He said 'In as much as you do this for the least
of these my little ones, you do it for me.' (Matt 25:40) In
a few weeks all the Christians of the world will celebrate
together the commemoration of the Death and Resurrection of
Jesus Christ. Jesus died to offer the world God's
forgiveness and encourage reconciliation He rose again to
offer the world fullness of life. We firmly believe that
now is the time to establish forgiveness and reconciliation
on all sides in order to work for fullness of life for every
citizen of this Land."
For Catholics the appeal was signed by Patriarch Michel
Sabbah of the Latin-rite Patriarchate of Jerusalem;
Ignatius VIII Pierre Abdul-Ahad, Syrian Catholic Patriarch;
Father Giovanni Battistelli of the Franciscan Custody of the
Holy Land; Andre Dikran Bedoghlyan, Armenian Catholic
Patriarchal Exarchate; Maximus Sallum, Greek Catholic
(Melkite) Patriarchal Exarchate; and Paul Nabil Sayyah,
Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate.
The Orthodox were
represented by Archimandrite Cornelius, Locum Tenens, Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate; Patriarch Torkom II, Armenian
Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate; Anba Abraham, Coptic
Orthodox Patriarchate; Swerios Malki Mourad, Syrian
Orthodox Patriarchate; Abba Gabriel, Ethiopian Orthodox
Patriarchate. Protestants were represented by Riah Abu
Al-Assal, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem & the Middle East
and Mounib Younan, Lutheran Evangelical Church.
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March 29, 2001
volume 12, no. 88
News from the Universal Church
www.DailyCatholic.org
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