March 19, 2001 

The Honorable (Members of House International Relations Committee)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative ___________:

Churches for Middle East Peace urges the House International Relations Committee not to insert into the State Department Authorization bill language that would attempt to change the status of Jerusalem. On behalf of the member churches and church-based organizations that make up Churches for Middle East Peace, I appeal to the committee to oppose House Resolution 598, a bill to take certain steps toward recognition by the U.S. of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The breakdown of peace negotiations and the outbreak of violence between Israel and the Palestinians is indeed tragic and cause for great concern among members of Congress, as it is for Churches for Middle East Peace. During troubled times such as these the actions of Congress related to the Middle East become even more important. Any signal from Congress which contradicts the long-held U.S. policy that the status of Jerusalem is an issue to be resolved by the parties through negotiations would greatly damage efforts to stem violence and restart negotiations. Additionally, Congressional action to change the status of Jerusalem would undercut the Administration's efforts to improve relations with Arab and Muslim nations worldwide and could put U.S. vital interests at risk. 

We urge the Congress to express its support for and friendship with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority and to encourage both to end the use of violence and to take initiatives that restore confidence in each other as a partner for peace. The United States needs to help the Israelis and Palestinians get back to the negotiating table where lies the only enduring solution to this conflict.

Sincerely, 

Corinne Whitlatch
Director