John Paul II:  Real Peace in the Middle East

We all know that real peace can only be achieved if there is a new attitude of understanding and  respect between the peoples of the region, between the followers of the three Abrahamic religions . . .It  is important that there be an evolution in the way the peoples of the region see one another and that at every level of society the principles of peaceful co-existence be taught and  promoted.                 Damascus, Syria May 5, 2001

BRIDGE\CRAFT                                                                                        VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1, PAGE 4

FROM  ROMAN  CATHOLIC TRADITION:  COEXISTENCE and DIALOGUE
“Resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis,” June 15, 2001, U.S. Catholic Conference, Excerpt:

A way must be found to return quickly to genuine negotiations, embracing, as far as possible, the gains made in the last rounds of final status talks.  . . . It is not too late to embrace nonviolence, dialogue and negotiation as the only road forward. The steps toward a just and lasting peace remain the same: real security for the State of Israel, a viable state for Palestinians, just resolution of the refugee problem, an agreement on Jerusalem which protects religious freedom and other basic rights, an equitable sharing of resources, especially water, and implementation of relevant UN resolutions and other provisions of international law. These steps will pave the way to a future of cooperation and accommodation rather than occupation and conflict.

 Statement on Israeli-Palestinian Violence, Administrative Committee, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, March 13, 2002:

The horrible cycle of violence, occupation, and terror in the Middle East must be brought to an end. Every day, more Palestinians and Israelis lose their lives, and every day, many more are losing their hopes for a future of dignity, security and peace.


As citizens, we urge our government to use every means to persuade leaders on both sides to turn away from actions which permit, incite or employ violence and to return to the search for peace based on mutual respect and equal justice for Palestinians and Israelis.

Nothing is gained by demonizing one side or the other in this conflict. The human and moral imperative now is for a just peace based on understanding, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Excerpt, Letter to President Bush on  Escalating Violence in the Holy Land, from Bishop Wilton D. Gregory,        President, U.S. Conference of     Catholic Bishops, April 10, 2002:
As difficult as it may seem, there should be a return to the arduous task of negotiating a just peace, withoutdelay or pre-conditions.  . . Despite recent events, the elements of a just and lasting peace remain the same: a viable
state for Palestinians, real security for the State of Israel, just resolution of the refugee problem, an agreement on Jerusalem which protects religious freedom and other basic rights, and implementation of relevant UN resolutions  . . .As a supporter of the State of Israel and a state for Palestinians, the United States, in collaboration with the international community, can play a constructive role by continuing to be clear that it recognizes that each side in this conflict has deep, long-standing and legitimate grievances that must be addressed if there is to be a just and lasting peace.

Both Palestinian and Israeli leaders must refrain from inciting hatred against the other. One of the tragedies of the current crisis is that it has so damaged prospects for development of the new attitudes of understanding and mutual respect without which neither side will be able to achieve their legitimate goals.

 

Continue to page 5