[Washington, D.C. Aug. 9]   With the 2008 Presidential campaign in high gear in the early caucus and primary states, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) sent a letter today to Republican and Democratic candidates. The letters were signed by the CMEP Board, who represent the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant organizations in the coalition, and by members of the CMEP Leadership Council, prominent individuals who each hold a particular expertise and connection to the region.  

The signers urge the 9 Republican and 8 Democratic contenders currently campaigning, as a candidate, and if successful, as President, “to support a two-state peace between Israel and the Palestinians as a top priority from the beginning of your administration and to commit yourself to stronger American diplomatic leadership toward the goal of a comprehensive regional settlement.”   

The campaigners are asked “to promise strong Presidential leadership in resolving the conflict, the appointment of a special envoy who can act with your full authority, and a balanced policy that addresses the basic needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.”  

“The United States must show empathy and support for both Israelis and Palestinians if we are to help resolve this terrible conflict.  We appeal to you, therefore, to rise above the polemical rhetoric that has too often characterized political commentary on this conflict.”  

The signers, who include a number of retired ambassadors, note that “Such American leadership is needed, not only as a moral imperative on behalf of suffering protagonists, but to restore the goodwill that the United States once enjoyed in the region. The unwillingness of the U.S. government to engage constructively to resolve the conflict has created deep distrust and hostility toward our country in the Arab and Muslim world, and elsewhere. Our principles of justice, equality and peace are at risk, and our security interests depend on more effective leadership in helping resolve this historic struggle.”  

Rejecting the view that this conflict cannot be resolved, the signers write that, “Years of discussions and polling reveal that both Israel and Palestinian majorities are willing to make concessions for peace and understand that it can only be achieved through two states, a withdrawal from settlements, and a shared Jerusalem as the capitals of Israel and of Palestine.”

Special attention is brought to the future of the small and diminishing Palestinian Christian community whose future in the Holy Land is at particular risk. “Lacking peace and economic opportunity, Christians are prone to emigrate, depleting the Palestinian population of its natural religious diversity.”  

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Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men’s Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Friars, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, Moravian Church in America, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church.                       

                          For further information and the full letter with list of signers, see www.cmep.org.