In their message, the Christian leaders in Jerusalem wrote, "We consider it part of our duty to draw the attention of the local authorities, as well as the international community and the world Churches, to this very grave situation and call for a concerted vision on the status of this holy city based on international resolutions and having regard to the rights of two peoples in her and the three faith communities."

The situation today is, indeed, very grave. Jerusalem has been called the volcanic core of the Arab-Israeli conflict because of the profound religious meaning it holds for Jews, Christians, and Muslims everywhere.

With the construction of the separation wall, many Christians and Muslims are excluded from the city and its holy sites. Without Jerusalem as its beating heart, a Palestinian state cannot be viable. Without the promise of Jerusalem being the capitals of both Israel and Palestine, the conflict cannot be resolved – there will be no peace.

. Churches for Middle East Peace is taking the call for a shared Jerusalem directly to Congress. We are guiding clergy and members of our churches in effective advocacy for the sharing of Jerusalem, an end of the occupation, and peace between two states – Israel and Palestine. Our mission is peace.

When things get hot in Jerusalem, CMEP’s response is swift and always directed to people who can make a difference.

In February, Israel began excavations near the Western Wall at the base of the Haram al-Sharif and protests erupted – in the streets of the Old City and from Ambassadors at the United Nations. CMEP immediately contacted David Welch, the Assistant Secretary of State for the Near East, who had met with us in the past.

But, I have to write you today, because in the midst of all this overload is a peace effort – the call for sharing Jerusalem - that can make a difference. Regardless of our individual political leanings, our commitment to peace compels us to take action as citizen constituents. The U.S. government does, and will continue to, play a central role in Middle East affairs. We must do all we can to make sure that the U.S. role is constructive and leads to peace.

CMEP’s agenda for 2007 is strong and ambitious:

1. CMEP is organizing "For the Peace of Jerusalem," a national conference on Jerusalem that will also prepare clergy and church members for advocacy with Congress and at home. (You will find more about this May 6-8 conference at www.cmep.org ) We look forward to the wonderful energy that radiates when people of peace come together.

3. CMEP is continuing to relentlessly press the Administration and Members of Congress for action on the Iraq Study Group’s advice that the United States act boldly and deal directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict with a renewed and sustained commitment. The ISG report gives a terrific boost to CMEP’s advocacy of "land for peace."

With new Congressional leadership and escalating public concern about Iraq, the President and Secretary Rice are under great pressure to adopt a new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There is now talk of a "political horizon" that will allow a clear picture of what a two-state solution would look like. It’s widely agreed, even though not spoken aloud by our elected officials, that a two-state solution must involve the sharing of Jerusalem.

When we work together, our voice is louder, stronger, and heard in the halls of Congress and at the White House. And, your continued and committed support of CMEP has never been more important.

How are you able to help end the occupation and bring peace and security to Palestinians and Israelis?

The demand for a shared Jerusalem must continue. We must lift advocacy for a shared Jerusalem above the noise of mudslinging and politics. The call for a shared Jerusalem must be heard. The sharing of Jerusalem IS possible.