Learn More

Background on the Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine

The Peace Not Walls campaign was established to implement the Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine passed by the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Through its Peace Not Walls campaign, the ELCA supports a viable, contiguous Palestinian state; a secure Israeli state at peace with its Arab neighbors; and a shared Jerusalem with equal access and rights for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. You can find the Churchwide Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine, subsequent actions and statements, and frequently asked questions on the resources page under the ‘Learn More’ tab.

Companions and partners

Join us in accompanying our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land in respect and mutuality. The ELCA’s primary companion church in the Holy Land is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Together with them, the ELCA has a strong relationship with The Lutheran World Federation, which has a Jerusalem-area program including Augusta Victoria Hospital.

Hear from the voices of Palestinian Christians in the 2009 Kairos Palestine statement. For more information about how to support and get involved with our companions; missionaries; and ecumenical, interfaith, and secular partners check out the "Accompany" tab on the resources page.

Go deeper into the issues

Check out the "Learn More" tab on the resources page to explore some of the major issues of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict from our companions’ perspectives:

• Christian presence in the Holy Land
• Status of Jerusalem
• Israeli settlements and home demolitions
• Gaza
• Palestinian refugees
• Christian Zionism
• Separation barrier

Find suggestions for the best documentaries, books, videos, websites and study resources on the resources page under the "Learn more" tab.