Letter to synodical bishops from The Rev. H. George Anderson, 
presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

TO: Synodical Bishops

FROM: George Anderson

DATE: November 14, 2000

As the flames of hatred and revenge threaten to consume the birthplace of the Christian faith, we all wonder what we might do to help break the cycle of violence and hasten the day of peace. I am seeking your assistance in beginning and maintaining a prayer vigil for peace in the Middle East.

As you know, the numbers of killed and wounded in clashes between Palestinians and Israelis continue to rise and the peace talks between them have been suspended. The Rev. Munib Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan (ELCJ), headquartered in Jerusalem, sent a letter to partner churches dated October 25, 2000. In the letter, he explained how grave the situation is right now, for his congregations and the area as a whole. Movement is restricted, certain foodstuffs are becoming difficult to find, transport of industrial and agricultural products is not allowed, farmers can’t get in their fields to pick olives, most Palestinian hotels are closed, hospitals lack supplies and equipment, unemployment is high, and ELCJ schools are facing shortages of operating funds. Bishop Younan reports that the Israeli army has attacked residential areas using tanks and helicopters, particularly in the area around Bethlehem. The attacks are having a traumatic impact on Palestinian children and others who are under siege.

Bishop Younan’s letter called on the ELCA and other LWF partners "to intensively pray for the Christian Churches in Jerusalem and their prophetic role for a lasting, comprehensive, just peace and reconciliation in our area." In response, the ELCA Church Council, at its November 2000 meeting, approved a resolution calling for "coordinated days of prayer and fasting for an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine." A copy of the resolution is enclosed for your information.

I propose that we organize a continuous prayer vigil throughout this church. To accomplish this, please use the enclosed prayer vigil schedule to pray not only for our brothers and sisters in the ELCJ, but for all those who are suffering in the Holy Land. The schedule begins on the first Sunday of Advent and will continue until the violence ends and we can celebrate a just and lasting negotiated resolution to the conflict.

Suggestions for implementing the vigil might include:

• praying together as a synod staff on the dates designated for your synod.

• inviting the pastors and congregations of your synod to join in this prayer vigil on the days assigned to your synod.

• partnering and collaborating with other synods located within the same state.

• sharing ideas for implementation in the electronic synod bishops’ meeting.

• promoting ELCA participation at ecumenical prayer services being organized in your area.

In addition, staff in Washington, DC, tell me that a number of other denominations such as The Episcopal Church, the United Church of Christ, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are likely to join us in this vigil and that participation will grow over the coming months.

Resources are available from the Division for Global Mission, including the Palestine Packet mailed to congregations in September 2000. There will soon be prayers for congregational use on DGM’s website. You will also find information and resources on the ELCA's website.

Thank you for joining us in this effort. May God bless you in this ministry of prayer for reconciliation and peace.