(Washington, DC, July 25, 2005)  Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) sent an encouraging and cautioning message to Israel’s Prime Minister Sharon that was signed by the Chair of the Board and the Executive Director.

The letter expresses appreciation for Mr. Sharon’s decision to pull out of Gaza and compassion for the people who must move, as well as for the whole of Israeli society during this difficult time. Noting that the withdrawal from Gaza is an important first step toward ending the occupation, the coalition calls upon Mr. Sharon to act promptly on the Bush Administration’s requests to cease actions that would predetermine the mutual agreements that must undergird a durable peace accord. The letter appeals to Mr. Sharon to “stop expanding settlements and building the separation barrier on land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”

Corinne Whitlatch of CMEP said, “We want the Israeli public to know that a great many American churches and Christians are committed to ending the occupation, resolving the conflict and achieving a peaceful and prosperous future for both states – Israel and Palestine.”

Churches for Middle East Peace also wrote to Palestinian President Abbas on the occasion of his visit to Washington in late May when CMEP organized his meeting with high level Christian leaders.  

CMEP is a coalition of 21 Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches and church-related agencies that advocates for U.S. policies that are conducive to peacemaking between Israel and the future state of Palestine. CMEP’s Board members and staff meet with Congressional offices and with Administration officials, and provide advocacy guidance to church members and congregations across the country. The current focus of CMEP’s work is related to Jerusalem and the threat that the separation barrier and settlement expansion in and near Jerusalem brings to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and a durable two-state solution to the conflict. The sharing of Jerusalem by the two peoples - Israelis and Palestinians - and by the three religions that hold it sacred has long been the centerpiece of CMEP’s work.