Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach writes about the end of the Iraq war and rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the latest Third Way Cafe.
One would think that policymakers would have no interest in getting into another conflict in the region. But since early November, U.S.-Iran relations, which have long been frosty, have gotten even more tense.
Read the full article here.
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Posted by jesseeppfransen
The MCC Palestine staff have posted Christmas reflections on their blog from two MCC partner organizations.
Photo by Ryan Rodrick Beiler
Christmas is a celebration for every Christian family. We are reminded that Christ was born to a humble woman in a Bethlehem cave. Yes, I believe in the miraculous birth of Christ. However, I also believe I cannot celebrate without remembering the deteriorating socio-economic and political conditions across the entire world and particularly in Bethlehem, Palestine. If the baby is to be born in the flesh today, what will He find…? Read more.
The message of the angel to the shepherds was one of liberation, “Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy which will be for all people…” As the company of angels joined the first messenger and gave glory to God, they emphasized the gift of peace and goodwill. The only possibility for peace and goodwill is through work for justice; work that moves the world in a direction away from empire, away from war, and toward God’s vision of peace and reconciliation. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem embodies this movement… Read more.
Leave a Comment » | Faith Reflection, Issues, Middle East | Tagged: Bethlehm, Palestine, Sabeel, Wi'am | Permalink
Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.” –Isaiah 42:1
Olivewood craft business of the al-Atrash family. Credit:Ryan Beiler/MCC
Too many claims have been made of bringing justice to Palestine-Israel. One can grow easily discouraged when surveying the last decade of such claims, let alone the last sixty-three years.
But if we read further, the prophet goes on to describe this servant as faithful, steadfast, not growing faint. In Palestine, the Arabic word sumud is often used to describe this sort of steadfastness. It is also used to describe the persistent witness of the Church in Palestine.
Our brothers and sisters in Palestine spoke to this witness two years ago in their Kairos Palestine Document. In addition to challenging theologies that legitimize violence and dispossession, it describes the mission of the Church to speak the Word of God courageously, honestly and lovingly and to stand alongside the oppressed. It also urges us to take a position of truth with regard to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land.
The sumud of the Church—this steadfast witness of the Body of Christ—in Palestine, presents a challenge to us Christians here in the United States during this season of Advent, a challenge that requires hope, courage, and risk.
How shall we respond?
Written by Timothy Seidel, Director, MCC U.S. Peace & Justice Ministries
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Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Mennonite Church USA responded recently to the “Kairos” document written by Palestinian Christian leaders in 2009:
“Our word is a cry of hope, with love, prayer and faith in God,” wrote the 15 Palestinian church leaders. “We address it first of all to ourselves and then to all the churches and Christians in the world, asking them to stand against injustice and apartheid, urging them to work for a just peace in our region, calling on them to revisit theologies that justify crimes perpetrated against our people and the dispossession of the land.”
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Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Melissa Engle/MCC
Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach reflects on this Sunday’s lectionary texts:
In today’s Deuteronomy text Moses is allowed to view, but not enter, the land promised by the Lord to the Israelites. Moses’ successor, Joshua, is the one who will lead the people of Israel into the “promised land.” God promises the land to the people of Israel “forever” but attaches conditions…
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Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Melissa Engle/MCC
As we approach the ten year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, it is worth taking note of the staggering costs of war in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past decade. A recent study by researchers at Brown University suggested that as many as 225,000 people have died as a result of the two wars. They also suggest that the price tag for the military’s involvement could be as high as $4 trillion.
Take some time this week to tell your policymakers that the current level of military spending is unsustainable. Our nation must find alternative responses to violence. The costs are simply too high.
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Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach writes for Third Way Cafe:
But resolutions such as the one passed by the Senate, despite stating “strong support” for a two-state solution to
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, do not lay the groundwork necessary for a meaningful, negotiated solution to take place.
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Posted by Patricia Kisare
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