A Letter from the Bishop on Middle East Peace

December 19, 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we await the coming of Christ into our lives and our world during this Advent season, we renew our hopes for the day when all God's children can live at peace in the land called Holy. I urge you to join me and a broad spectrum of U.S. church leaders—Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant—in sending a letter to President-elect Obama urging him to make achievement of Israeli-Palestinian peace an immediate priority during his first year in office.

The work for a durable Israeli-Palestinian peace will not be easy, but the risk of inaction is far greater. Without active U.S. engagement, achievement of a two-state solution will become even more difficult. A further delay of peace will also mean continued emigration of the Christian community in the Holy Land.

I hope you will sign the ecumenical letter along with Christians around the country and urge President-elect Obama to provide diplomatic leadership toward the clear goal of a final status agreement that establishes a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

The opportunity for achieving a two-state solution—supported by majorities of Israelis and Palestinians as the best way to end this tragic conflict—is narrowing and must be seized.

Especially at this time of year, when we anticipate the miracle of Christmas, we know that nothing is impossible with God. Jerusalem can become a powerful symbol of hope and coexistence for the region and the world.

The ecumenical Christian letter to President-elect Obama is included along with the full list of signers at www.cmep.org/ where you may also add your name if you wish .

I hope that you will sign this letter today and share it with your friends and family.

Blessings to all of you this Christmas season,

Mark