Diverse Christian Group Releases Major Statement on Israel-Palestine

(SALEM) - When "60 Minutes" aired its segment on the decline of Christianity in the Holy Land, millions of Americans became aware of the plight of the Palestinian people. The program also introduced viewers to the Kairos Palestine document, "A moment of truth: A word of faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering," a summons from the Christians of Palestine to world Christians to stand with the Palestinian people in their nonviolent struggle for their human and political rights.

Like the 1985 "Challenge to the Church" of Kairos South Africa and Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," the Palestinian document is a call to the church to take a stand for justice.

A NEW INITIATIVE

We write to inform you of a new initiative of U.S. Christians in response to one of the most urgent situations facing the church today--the need for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. Since its inception one year ago, Kairos USA has received an extraordinarily high level of interest and enthusiasm. This is an indication that we are in a Kairos time--a moment of grace and opportunity.

Today we officially launch "Call to Action: U.S. Response to Kairos Palestine."

The mission of Kairos USA is to take a bold, prophetic stand in support of our Palestinian sisters and brothers, as well as our Jewish brothers and sisters in the State of Israel who suffer from the social, psychological and spiritual costs of militarization and war itself. There is an urgent need to support nonviolent resistance in Palestinian and Israeli civil society and to continue to build the growing international grassroots movement for a just peace.

A PROPHETIC MOVEMENT

Given the dominant role played by our government through its financial and diplomatic support of Israel, U.S. Christians have a particular responsibility to learn the facts of the situation and to act to bring about a peace based on justice. "Call to Action: U.S. Response to the Kairos Palestine Document--A word of confession and faith from Christians in the United States" is our founding statement. We urge you to visit our website, read the statement, and join this prophetic movement.

We want this announcement to reach the widest possible audience. Please forward this email or news article to others, including listservs and blogs.

Please stay tuned for opportunities to be involved. We look forward to keeping in touch!

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