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Churches for Middle East Peace wrote
Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL-MN-4) today thanking her for her April 25th
letter
to a local Minnesota pastor regarding an event organized by Christians
United For Israel (CUFI) and for her work on behalf of Israeli-Palestinian
peace. In her letter, Rep. McCollum brought attention to statements by
CUFI founder, Pastor John Hagee, that demonstrate “extremism, bigotry and
intolerance” and expressed her support, in contrast to Pastor Hagee, for
“working for the ‘roadmap for peace’ in the Middle East, Israel living
side-by-side in peace and security with an independent Palestinian
state.”
CMEP very much appreciates
Congresswoman McCollum’s leadership on Israeli-Palestinian peace issues
and we are pleased that she is scheduled to speak at the May 7th
reception at CMEP’s conference,
“For
the Peace of Jerusalem”. Notes or emails of thanks to
Rep. McCollum’s office, especially from her constituents, are
encouraged.
Included below are Rep. McCollum’s
letter and CMEP’s letter of thanks.
Text of Rep. McCollum's
Letter
Link to
Letter on McCollum's letterhead with attachments (including extensive
quotes from Pastor Hagee)
April 25, 2007
Pastor James M. (Mac) Hammond
Living Word Christian Church
9201- 75th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Dear Pastor Hammond:
A letter of invitation to your
church’s April 29th event, “A Night to Honor Israel,” was
received in my St. Paul office. In response, I am writing to inform you
that I must decline the invitation.
Your event and events like it are
“being coordinated and conducted around the country by Christians United
for Israel,” according to the invitation. The founder of this
organization, Pastor John Hagee, is prominently highlighted on the
invitation as an event speaker, along with Israel’s Consul General Barukh
Binah.
Pastor Hammond, freedom of speech and
the freedom to practice one’s religion are cherished American rights.
However, well publicized public statements by Pastor Hagee demonstrate
extremism, bigotry and intolerance that is repugnant. For example:
"I believe that New Orleans had a level of sin that
was offensive to God … I believe that Hurricane Katrina was, in fact, the
judgment of God against the city of New Orleans.”
(Fresh Air, 9/18/2006)
“Those who live by the Quran have a scriptural
mandate to kill Christians and Jews.”
(Fresh Air, 9/18/2006)
“I would hope the United States would join Israel in
a military pre-emptive strike to take out the nuclear capability of Iran
for the salvation of Western civilization.”
(Jerusalem Post, 3/21/2006)
These statements are not
representative of the people of Minnesota nor do I believe they reflect
the views of the people of Israel whom the Pastor purports to be
advocating on behalf of your church. How does one “honor Israel” with an
individual whose toxic statements pollute the environment of peaceful
religious coexistence, cooperation and respect that we strive to achieve
in America, and especially in Minnesota, among Christians, Jews, Muslims
and people of all faiths?
Pastor Hammond, it seems I am not
alone in this belief. A clergyman from Pastor Hagee’s own hometown of San
Antonio, TX, Rabbi Barry Block, was identified in the Jewish Weekly
as a supporter of Israel and characterizes Hagee as promoting,
“…extremist anti-Palestinian positions and anti-Muslim prejudice…”
and states, “I do not believe Pastor Hagee’s
activism is good for Israel.” (Jewish
Weekly, 3/9/2007)
My support and much of America’s
support for Israel is built on a historic partnership between our two
nations and peoples, sharing a common goal of living in peace, security
and freedom. Unlike Pastor Hagee, I support working for the “roadmap for
peace” in the Middle East, Israel living side-by-side in peace and
security with an independent Palestinian state. This is a goal many of us
in Congress share with both Israeli political leaders and citizens.
Pastor Hammond, your invitation says
this event’s purpose is for people to “speak and act with one voice
in support of Israel and the Jewish people.” As an elected official
and a person of faith, I feel compelled to speak out against a voice, like
Pastor Hagee’s, that promotes or, even worse, preaches intolerance and
bigotry – whether in churches, synagogues or mosques. Minnesota is a
state in which multiculturalism, religious tolerance, honest debate and a
spirit of respect are treasured. Pastor Hagee’s voice is clearly
inconsistent with our Minnesota values and I believe with the
values of the people of Israel.
Sincerely,
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
Cc: Minnesota Congressional Delegation
His Excellency Sallai Meridor, Ambassador of
Israel
CMEP Letter of Thanks
April 30, 2007
The Honorable Betty McCollum
US House of Representatives
1714 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC
Dear Representative McCollum,
Churches for Middle East
Peace appreciates your letter to Pastor Mac Hammond regarding your
objections to the event in your district organized by Christians United
for Israel. Thank you for your work on behalf of Israeli-Palestinian peace
and for being willing to confront the hate-filled bigotry perpetuated by
this organization and its founder Pastor John Hagee.
It is especially important that you,
as a Member of Congress, expose and condemn the extremist religious claims
espoused by Pastor Hagee. We are hopeful that other Members of Congress
will join you in refusing to show support for the kinds of views expressed
by Christians United for Israel. We encourage wide endorsement of the
values you have raised - religious tolerance, honest debate and a spirit
of respect among Christians, Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths.
The nature of your consistent support
for Israel serves as an example of true friendship and good
citizenship. Churches for Middle East Peace joins you in support of a
two-state resolution of the conflict with Israel living in peace and
security alongside an independent Palestinian state. We have long
supported US engagement to help bring about an end to the conflict
and look forward to working with you and other Members of Congress toward
that goal.
Sincerely,
Corinne Whitlatch
Executive Director
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