“How do our religious views of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem affect the peace process in Israel/Palestine?” “Is this a religious conflict or a political conflict?” More than 100 gathered for a conference at Tantur Ecumenical Institute about these and other questions about religious views of Christians, Muslims and Jews in the Holy Sites in … [Read more…]
Thousands gathered Saturday in Nazareth to protest a failed bombing attempt by a Jewish family Friday night at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, where Christians had gathered for traditional Lenten prayers. Fortunately, the homemade mixture of fireworks, flammable liquids and a jar of marbles and nails to serve as shrapnel didn’t explode properly, … [Read more…]
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“Accompany Israeli and Palestinian leaders with courage and patience in a direction that will give their people cause for hope,” World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia says today in a letter to members of the UN Security Council’s “Middle East Quartet”. letter comes at “a critical juncture in the Israeli-Palestinian … [Read more…]
There have been “forbidden roads” for a long time now – within Palestinian land – that Palestinians are not allowed to drive on. They are by-pass roads for Israeli settlers only. Now a new military order prohibits Palestinians living in the West Bank from entering Israeli via any route other than one of the 11 … [Read more…]
Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga visited the Holy Land recently, and stopped in on Redeemer Lutheran Church and the ELCJHL on Monday, Feb. 20. The Rev. Russ Siler, pastor of the English-speaking congregation at Redeemer Church, welcomed the President’s delegation in the absence of Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, and gave an explanation of the history of … [Read more…]
The Cartoon Controversy has swept the world with still-mounting deaths and uncontained violence. Bishop Younan continues to speak for calm and reconciliation, as in his recent public statement. Controversy also continues within Palestine and Israel over the forming of the new Hamas governement and what it will mean for funds and aid to the Palestinians … [Read more…]
Mutual Recognition of Evangelical Middle East Churches From the east and from the west around the Holy Land, they gathered in Amman in January of 2006 for an historical occasion. Evangelicals from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Iran, Algeria and Tunisia signed together “The Amman Declaration Agreement of Full Mutual Recognition of Lutheran and … [Read more…]
Christians of all brands and flavors gathered at one another’s churches in Jerusalem to pray for the unity of the Christian church. In a city that has one of the most diverse Christian populations in the world, Jerusalem Christians illustrated that true unity can be strengthened through diversity when common mission is the priority. Prayer, … [Read more…]
Congratulations to our New Synod President – Rev. Sani Ibrahim Azar – and to All Newly Elected Leaders! Here are the complete results of the ELCJHL Synod elections held Jan. 20th for the 11th legislative period: Synod – The Legislative Body Synod President:Rev. Sani Ibrahim Azar Synod Vice President: Mr. Saliba Zeidan Synod Secretary: Leena … [Read more…]