The World Council of Churches sent a three-member delegation to Lebanon and Jerusalem August 10 – August 16 whose main aim was “to manifest our solidarity to the people of Lebanon and Palestine/Israel, to meet as many representatives of Churches, Muslim and Jewish leaders, civil society and the Governments.” The delgation consisted of Ms. Marilia … [Read more…]
The Heads of Churches in Jerusalem visited both Gaza and Nablus in late July to see the people there under siege and constant closure that has been in force for months. With the tragedy in Lebanon and northern Israel, the ongoing tragedies in the Palestinian territories has been forgotten. The people there asked them to … [Read more…]
Al Raja Dance Troupe has made it from Chicago, through Nebraska, California, Texas, Minnesota and now Appleton, Wisconsin. They have performed in churches, auditoriums and even in the Alamo Dome, in front of 20,000 people, sharing their culture, dance and life with those they meet. They have introduced hundreds to Palestine and – more importantly, Palestinians. At … [Read more…]
The Lutheran Church of Hope in Ramallah was bursting at the seams on Sunday, May 7, as almost 20 young people were confirmed during their Sunday morning service. The celebration was heightened by the presence of Bishop Ole Christian Kvarme from the Church of Norway and 5 members of their delegation of deans and staff from the … [Read more…]
On Sunday, April 9, Holy Week began for Lutherans with Palm Sunday services. Later in the afternoon, the traditional Palm Sunday procession paraded from Bethany down the Mt. of Olives to the Old City. Jesus came to Jerusalem shortly after he raised Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, where Lazarus, Mary and Martha lived. Today, … [Read more…]
“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…]