by Katherine R. Hinck*, ELCA News Service
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) e-Advocacy
Network issued an action alert from Churches for Middle East
Peace (CMEP) May 15 regarding a resolution from U.S. Rep. Joseph
Crowley (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Rep. McCaul (R-Texas) circulating in
the U.S. House of Representatives titled "Help Save the Oldest
Christian Community in the World." E-Advocacy Network is a
service of Lutheran Advocacy, a justice ministry of the ELCA. A
letter circulating in Congress with the resolution charges the
Palestinian Authority with the "systematic destruction of the
oldest Christian community in the world." CMEP and other
organizations are concerned that the resolution's reports of
Christian persecution contains inaccuracies and exaggerations.
According to the Rev. Munib A. Younan, bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Jerusalem, the
rumors of persecution have been exaggerated. "I have always
stated very clearly, we are not persecuted as Palestinian
Christians neither by the state of Palestine nor by the state of
Israel," said Younan during a recent visit to Chicago. "The
Palestinian Authority, even the present government, sees us as an
integral part of Palestinian society. They don't see us as
foreigners. Such an allegation is harmful."
The McCaul/Crowley resolution has not yet been introduced in the
House, but has been circulated to all 435 members seeking co-
sponsors. At least 11 members have already signed-on in support
of the resolution.
"I ask our American sisters and brothers to ask us what is the
truth before such resolutions and bills go to Capitol Hill
without a basis," Younan said. "We need to differentiate between
what is a rumor and what is a reality. If there was persecution,
I would be the first to speak about it. My duty is to speak the
truth, for the sake of the truth and the sake of justice and
peace and reconciliation in Palestine," he said.
*Katherine R. Hinck is a senior journalism and religion major at
Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. This summer she is an
intern with the ELCA News Service.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
