“For the Peace of Jerusalem”
December 7^th, 2010

In October, we sent you an action alert naming that the peace process for Israel and Palestine stood at a critical juncture.  We told you about the Church of the Brethren’s historic commitment to peace globally, and specifically in the Middle East. We asked you to call for the continuation of peace talks.

Today, the situation is perhaps even more tenuous, and the Christian community is coming together in common cause.  Organized by Churches for Middle East Peace, “For the Peace of Jerusalem: Christians for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Now” is a national campaign calling for robust leadership by the United States in bringing about peace. The website states, “Today the peace process is failing, obstructed by obstacles both daunting and superficial. But we are calling for its revival now. We believe that peace in the Holy Land is vital, it is urgent, and it is possible.”

Their first action step is to send a Christmas card to President Obama, letting the President know that, “In this Christmas season we are praying for your work to bring peace with justice and security to Israelis and Palestinians.” As we are at work Preparing the Way this advent season, this is a faithful step that can continue the in-breaking of God’s way into our world – the way of peace.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consider this advent season walking with Global Missions Partnerships, as we Prepare the Way for the Lord.  With brief weekly devotionals and other resources, consider how you might support the work of the Church of the Brethren as we do the work of preparing this world to be the realm of God each and every day.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Church of the Brethren Policy:

1970 Annual Conference Statement, Statements of the Church of the Brethren on War reads: The Church of the Brethren, since its beginning in 1708, has repeatedly declared its position against war. Our understanding of the life and the teachings of Christ as revealed in the New Testament led our Annual Conference to state in 1785 that we should not "submit to the higher powers so as to make ourselves their instruments to shed human blood." In 1918 at our Annual Conference we stated that "we believe that war or any participation in war is wrong and incompatible with the spirit, example and teachings of Jesus Christ." Again in 1934 Annual Conference resolved that all war is sin. We, therefore, cannot encourage, engage in, or willingly profit from armed conflict at home or abroad.”

 1991 Annual Conference Statement, Peacemaking: The Call of God’s People in History reads: The church and Christians are called by God to witness to the gospel of peace with such intensity that nations repent and history is changed. Less than a radical witness can only lead us to accept idols of materialism, personal and national security at the expense of justice, blind nationalism, the glorification of military strength, and dependence on technological solutions for human problems.

Therefore, the Church of the Brethren shall:

1. continue to commit funds, staff and energies to a presence in Washington, D.C., helping our members keep abreast of public issues and speak truth to the principalities and powers;
2. develop networks on the district and national level for study and action on public policies of concern to the church, and to mobilize the church to respond;
3. advance efforts toward a more peaceful world order through supporting the peacemaking efforts of the United Nations and recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice;
4. work for a more just international economic order in which all people are able to secure their basic human needs;
5. support policies and legislation which radically reduce military spending and convert our national priorities to peaceful and life affirming production;
6. encourage the demilitarization of international relations and promote non-violent forms of defense (civilian-based defense);
7. advocate the forging of bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties which abolish nuclear, biological, chemical and conventional weaponry;
8. affirm policies which foster human rights at home and abroad.

Click here to recieve action alerts from the Church of the Brethren, and/or other e-communications.

For more information about the witness ministries of the Church of the Brethren, contact Jordan Blevins, Advocacy Officer for the Church of the Brethren:

Jordan Blevins
C/O National Council of Churches
110 Maryland Ave. NE
Suite 108
Washington, DC 20002
jblevins@brethren.org
202-481-6943

Church of the Brethren Action Alerts are a ministry of the denomination's Global Mission Partnerships and its witness and advocacy office in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the National Council of Churches. Contact advocacy officer Jordan Blevins at jblevins@brethren.org . Contact Global Mission Partnerships at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 or mission@brethren.org .

© 2010 Church of the Brethren.

Contact us

Unsubscribe or change your email preferences