For the Peace of Jerusalem: Christians for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Now

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

Advent is a time of expectations. Biblically, we return to scriptures that tell us the story of God coming to dwell with us through the birth of a baby, while politically we work and prepare for the birth of peace. Even in times of hardship, like those Mary and Joseph faced on their way to Bethlehem so many years ago, we as Christians are called to remain faithful. We do not wish for peace. Rather, we expect and work peace for the betterment of all the people impacted by the conflict in the Holy Land. Sending cards this Christmas season is a way to show the President and all those who hear of our efforts that we expect peace with justice and security for all Palestinians and Israelis, and we expect it soon.

Please join in taking a bold step for peacemaking in the Holy Land. On December 1, Churches for Middle East Peace and its member churches–including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ–are launching a new national Christian campaign, “For the Peace of Jerusalem: Christians for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Now”

Churches for Middle East Peace is a year-long effort of 26 (and growing) Christian churches and organizations to engage Christians across the country in the pursuit of a just and secure peace for Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land.

For the Peace of Jerusalem: Christians for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Now is a national Christian campaign that will deepen and broaden activities to mobilize Christian opinion and advocacy in support of Israeli-Palestinian peace. This campaign is an opportunity for your church members to engage in Christ’s call to be peacemakers specifically in the Holy Land. The campaign is a national ecumenical effort to “seek peace and pursue it” and provides both resources and actions to engage your congregants in their Christian call to be peacemakers. Members of the campaign include Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant and peace church traditions. The campaign, its members and the organizer, Churches for Middle East Peace, are pro-peace and committed to working with the U.S. government to achieve peace with justice and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The card signing event itself is a means of engagement that has been widely used in other contexts. It is flexible and can be done in a number of ways, depending on the congregation.

Your faith, commitment and leadership are needed now and in the months to come to make our efforts bear good fruit. Your care and concern about what happens in the lives of Palestinians and Israelis is a blessing. Please be a blessing your congregation and lead them in being peacemakers for the sake of Israelis, Palestinians and Americans alike. Our first action together is sending a Christmas card of encouragement and expectation to the President. Every card counts.

Click here for more information on the “For the Peace of Jerusalem” campaign.
Click here to download the special CMEP and Global Ministries Christmas card or the Postcard that you can print and send, or sign an e-card for the campaign.
Click here to learn more about Churches for Middle East Peace, and to sign up for CMEP bulletins and alerts.