ACT! June 4-10, 2008

 

 

The action week's message is that now "It's Time for Palestine": It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace; time to end 60 years of conflict; time for freedom from occupation; time for equal rights; and time for the healing of wounded souls. (See full text of action week message)

This year is 60 years since the partition of Palestine hardened into a permanent nightmare for Palestinians. It is 41 years since the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza overwhelmed the peaceful vision of one land, two peoples. The 2008 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel reflect the fulfillment of one dream at the expense of another.

The World Council of Churches is inviting member churches and related organizations to join a week of advocacy and action for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Participants will contribute to a common international witness for peace in early June 2008. People of faith and goodwill are called to act on their shared hopes that justice will be done. Participants will lobby legislators, visit foreign ministries, hold public forums, and plant (or sponsor) olive trees. As in 2006 and 2007, the June action week will include prayer vigils, special services and meetings with Muslim and Jewish people on the urgent need for peace.

DO:

1. Pray with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem;

2. Educate about actions that make for peace and about facts on the ground that do not;

3. Advocate with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice;

4. Public Action - in order to stress the depth of church concern.

 

More information on International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel:

http://www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/icappi-2008.html

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