Invitataion to CMEP Events in September in Northeast Ohio
The Common Global Ministries Board of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) is one of 24 national Church denominations and organizations (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) comprising the coalition Churches for Middle East Peace. We in Cleveland have special opportunities in September to learn more about the coalition and participate in advocacy training and network with regional supporters.
“Conflict in the Middle East and What You Can Do to Help” is the theme of four public events in the Cleveland area, September 15 -18. September 2011 is not only the 10th anniversary of 9/11, it is also a critical time for Israeli – Palestinian peace efforts. In September, the Palestinians plan to go to the United Nations to request recognition as an independent state within the 1967 borders.
The speaker at the Cleveland area events will be Ambassador (ret.) Warren Clark, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). Ambassador Clark was a career U.S. Foreign Service officer and has extensive experience negotiating in the Middle East. He also served in Europe, Canada, Africa, and at the United Nations.
The following three events “Conflict in the Holy Land: Why Ending It is Hard and What You Can Do to Help” are open to the public at no charge:
- Thursday, September 15, 7:00 PM, West Shore Unitarian Church, Rocky River;
- Sunday, September 18, 9:30 AM Church of the Saviour (Methodist), Cleveland Heights; and
- Sunday, September 18, 12:15 PM, Plymouth Church UCC, Shaker Heights.
Ambassador Clark will lead an Advocacy Workshop Saturday, September 17, 9:00 AM – Noon, at Trinity Cathedral (Episcopal), downtown Cleveland, in Cathedral Hall. The workshop will include continental breakfast, information, training and networking with the goal to develop a strong presence in northeast Ohio. Click here for details and online registration for the workshop or call 216-360-0359 for more information. The combined (UCC and Disciples of Christ) of Global Ministries and UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries are among the sponsors of the workshop.
The mission of Churches for Middle East Peace is to encourage U.S. policies that promote a just, lasting, and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ensuring security, human rights and religious freedom for all the people of the region. CMEP church leaders recently urged President Obama to to work with the Middle East Quartet and others to develop “a comprehensive statement …that addresses all final status issues, including … Jerusalem…[as] the shared capital of both states, a just resolution to the issue of all refugees, and assured access for all faiths to their holy places.”
Click here for flyers and information for all three public events or for the Saturday, Sept. 17 Advocacy Workshop.
Contact:
Pamela H. Beck
Planning Committee, Publicity
Shaker Heights OH
216-360-0359