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Rome to Jerusalem on two wheels |
| By: Associated Press |
| Published: August 14, 2005 |
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America denounced the security barrier being built along the West Bank, saying Saturday that Israeli policy throughout the territories has brought "extreme hardship" to Palestinians.
Several protestant groups have angered Jews by protesting construction of the barrier, and some Christian denominations have considered divestment from companies that profit from Israeli control of the Palestinian territories.
The new ELCA strategy doesn't mention divestment, but it urges the denomination to move toward "stewarding financial resources -- both U.S. tax dollars and private funds -- in ways that support the quest for a just peace in the Holy Land." Lutheran leaders insist it is not an endorsement of economic pressure against Israel.
Ethan Felson, assistant executive director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs , said the ELCA position on the barrier shows a lack of understanding about the dangers facing Israel.
"What is indisputable is that it saves lives," said Felson, who contends the barrier is not permanent and will be dismantled when the Jewish state is safe from terrorist attacks.
Rabbi Eric Yoffie, head of the Union for Reform Judaism, the largest branch of American Judaism, urged delegates to the Lutheran assembly Thursday not to "demonize" Israel. Other Jewish leaders said protestants should support Israel as it prepares to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
However, Bishop Munib Younan, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land told delegates the barrier itself is an obstacle to peace. Many Palestinians can no longer reach their jobs, hospitals and houses of worship, he said.
Inflammatory Language
"The future of the Palestinian church is at stake, because the current conditions are causing our children to leave in increasing numbers," he told the group by phone from Jerusalem.
Serena Sellers of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod called the barrier a "form of violence" committed "against innocent people."
Others said the title of the statement, "Peace Not Walls," implied the denomination was solely blaming Israel for the conflict. Don Lamprecht of the Alaska Synod said the plan contained "inflammatory" language and asked delegates to write a "more neutral resolution."
The ELCA has long-standing ties in the Palestinian territories and throughout the Mideast.
The 4.9 million-member denomination supports sister churches and a hospital in East Jerusalem that primarily serves Palestinians. Lutherans are also deeply concerned about the dwindling numbers of Palestinian Christians, who have been fleeing violence in the territories.
The advocacy plan affirms Israel's right to defend itself and the Palestinian desire for an independent state. It also calls on both Israelis and Palestinians to end attacks on civilians.
The statement was adopted as delegates wrapped up the denomination's weeklong meeting. On Friday, the church rejected a proposal that would have allowed ordination for gays in committed relationships. |
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