Lutheran, Anglican Bishops Denied Entry to Gaza

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Munib A. Younan, bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL),
and the Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani, Anglican bishop of Jerusalem,
were denied entry to Gaza Feb. 4, according to a news release
from the ELCJHL.
The bishops were traveling with the heads of churches of
Jerusalem to visit Christians in Gaza. Younan and Dawani were the
only Palestinians in the group and the only ones denied entry,
the release said.
Younan hosted 44 bishops from the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada,
who visited the region Jan. 6-13.
Phoning his Jerusalem office from near the Israel-Gaza
border, Younan said he could see F-16s flying toward the
beleaguered strip. Younan called the scene "worrying," fearing
the planes meant more loss of life in Gaza.
"We are protesting because this is against our right to move
and against our freedom of religion," Younan said. The group
planned to visit churches and humanitarian projects of the Middle
East Council of Churches, and the Al Ahli Hospital, as well as to
"encourage Christians at this very difficult time," he said.
"Isn't it our right as heads of churches to have free movement
and to enter Gaza for pastoral visits where ever we want?"
After returning to Jerusalem, Younan said the heads of
churches planned the visit and applied for permits to visit Gaza
10 days ago, according to the release. He said they had been
assured by the Department of Christian Communities that they had
the proper permits to enter Gaza. But Younan and Dawani were
turned back at Erez Crossing between Israel and Gaza, the release
said. Younan said phone calls to the authorities were fruitless.
"Although we are denied entry, whatever the reasons of the
Israeli security, this will never change our policy. We will
continue to work for justice, peace and reconciliation between
the two nations and dialogue among the three religions," Younan
said. "We still believe that violence from any side will not
bring justice and peace. It will bring more hatred and extremism
and bitterness between the two peoples. Only nonviolent ways will
assure security for Israelis and freedom for Palestinians."
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Information about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan
and the Holy Land is at http://www.elcjhl.org/ on the Web.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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