FED: Church leaders call for Middle East peace

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2007
FED: Church leaders call for Middle East peace

Australian church leaders say the time has come for inspiring leadership in the Middle
East peace process.

A delegation of nine leaders from several churches visited the Holy Land earlier this
month .. meeting with Christian .. Jewish and Muslim faith leaders .. and representatives
of the Israeli government and the Palestinian National Authority.

They say they support actions to enable Israel and Palestine to negotiate just outcomes
on issues like borders .. and Jerusalem.

And they strongly affirm the right of both Israel and Palestine to political autonomy
.. security and self-determination.

The leaders say they understand the reluctance to make concessions .. but the time
has come for courageous and inspiring leadership.

They're asking Australian churches to pray for lasting peace in the region .. and to
encourage the federal government to take more action in supporting the peace process.

AAP RTV kd/jec/psm/

KEYWORD: CHURCHES (SYDNEY)

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