Pray for peace
In the light of the escalating violence in and around Gaza, it is timely that we find ourselves in the midst of a time of prayer and action for the Middle East, established by the 219th General Assembly (2010). As the situation in Gaza and Israel continues to intensify – even as Americans head into a season of Thanksgiving and preparation for the gift of Christ’s peace – let us pause to remember those in Israel and Gaza who know no peace but instead face only violence and the threat of violence. We pray and act for the day when violence will end and a just peace will dawn in the Middle East and in our world.
For the Witness of the PC(USA)
Prayer and Action for the Middle East
The 219th General Assembly (2010), for the witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), directed the General Assembly Mission Council to set 2010-2012 as a time of Presbyterian prayer and action for the Middle East.
This website draws together the various resources that were requested as part of this witness:
- travel opportunities with a particular emphasis on visits with the Christian communities,
- study of Reformed theological understandings of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of historical understandings that encompass various narratives and verifiable sources,
- itineration throughout the U.S. by Middle Eastern Christian partners,
- local dialogues and shared projects with American Jews and Muslims,
- participation in the ecumenical accompaniment program (EAPPI) in Palestine and Israel of the World Council of Churches, and
- robust publicity and promotion of these activities.
Witness is central to our identity as Presbyterians. We are called to witness to what we have seen and heard. (Acts 22:15). Come and give witness to God’s activity in Israel/Palestine.
