Churches for Middle East Peace applauds S. Res. 224, the Feinstein/Lugar resolution which supports robust U.S. engagement to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  CMEP urges Senators to join their colleagues, Sens. Feinstein, Lugar, Dodd, Hagel, Baucus, Byrd, Sununu, Voinovich and Whitehouse, in showing Congressional support for Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking and in urging the Administration to make diplomatic efforts toward a settlement of the conflict a top priority.  

The 22 Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches that comprise the CMEP coalition have long supported a two-state solution to the conflict with a secure Israel living side-by-side in peace with a viable Palestinian state and sharing Jerusalem.  A lasting and durable solution to the conflict is in the best interest of the United States, Israel, the Palestinians and moderate forces throughout the Middle East.  In this dangerous time of continued violence and a stalled peace process, CMEP appreciates the deliberative and forward-looking approach taken by the sponsors of S. Res. 224.  This resolution’s entreaty to all parties to redouble their efforts to achieve peace is a fitting way to mark the 40^th anniversary of the 1967 war.  

CMEP urges Senators to co-sponsor S. Res. 224, strengthen Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s current diplomatic efforts and encourage sustained diplomatic engagement by the United States.              

Two State Solution: Vital to Middle East Peace and Stability and U.S. National Security  

A solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will by no means solve all the problems of the Middle East, but it will have a significant impact on peace and stability in the region and on U.S. national security interests.  The unresolved conflict brings ongoing suffering to Israelis and Palestinians, weakens moderate Arab allies and emboldens extremists. The United States has an important role to play in bringing Israelis and Palestinians together toward a permanent resolution that brings Israel security and recognition and results in the creation of a viable and contiguous Palestinian state. 

40 Years Since the 1967 War, the Time for Peace is Now

The need for peace is greater than ever.  Lacking a diplomatic alternative, Palestinian factional hostilities and continued Israeli-Palestinian violence in and around Gaza may overtake any possible progress.  Secretary of State Rice said on Thursday, May 31^st, “the best solution here is going to be when there is a Palestinian state that can live side by side in peace and freedom with Israel”.  The Arab League Peace Initiative provides a platform for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that can lead to a two-state solution. As we mark the 40^th anniversary of the 1967 war, S. Res. 224 sends an important message of bi-partisan Congressional support for U.S. leadership on Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking.   

“Seek Peace, and Pursue It (Ps. 34:14b)” : Americans Support U.S. Engagement in Peacemaking  

Churches for Middle East Peace is a broad coalition of 22 Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox U.S. national churches and church organizations who support U.S. engagement to resolve the conflict. Several CMEP church leaders have joined with American Jewish and Muslim leaders to support Middle East peacemaking, releasing a statement in December, 2006: “Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace: From Crisis to Hope”.  The 35 religious leaders wrote, “our shared Abrahamic faith compels us to work together for peace with justice for Israelis, Palestinians and all peoples in the Middle East. As Americans, we again ask the United States to make peace in the Middle East an urgent priority.”  Moreover, a recent poll by the Arab-American Institute and Americans for Peace Now found that Jewish and Arab Americans overwhelmingly support a two-state solution and U.S. engagement.   

Peace in the Holy Land: Key to Future of Palestinian Christian Community 

On January 23, 2007 a wide range of Christian leaders sent a letter to President Bush asking that he make Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking an “urgent priority” and expressing their deepening concern for the welfare and future of the Palestinian Christian community.  They wrote, “The future of the Palestinian Christians requires a solution to the conflict that will allow both peoples – Israelis and Palestinians –  to live side-by-side in two states where all enjoy justice, peace and security.”