To President George Bush

Tuesday, April 02, 2002
Mr President,

We appeal to you to stop immediately the inhuman tragedy that is taking place in this Holy Land in our Palestinian towns and villages. Only this morning the Israeli tanks have reached the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the City of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is wanton indiscriminate killings. Very many people are deprived of water, electricity, food supplies and basic medical needs. Many of our religious institutions have been invaded and damaged.

We call upon your Christian Conscience- because we know you are the only one who can stop this tragedy immediately.

We in return will play our part in mediating for the peace and security of all the people of this Land, both Israeli and Palestinian.

Signed

The Patriarchs, Archbishops and Heads of all the Christian Churches in Jerusalem

Urgent appeal from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem

Tuesday, April 02, 2002

We the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem are horrified and distressed by the suffering of so many peoples of this Land and the destruction of buildings and structures.

More than this, the death and injury of so many innocent people cry out to the world in shame.

The invasion of so many West Bank towns, villages and refugee camps has brought extensive looting together with the deprivation of basic food and medical supplies.

We appeal to all major world political leaders (especially in the USA, the UK and the European Community), to all world religious leaders (especially His Holiness the Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA together with the Lutheran World Federation and the Orthodox Patriarchs all over the World) together with all men and women of faith and good will- in God’s name come to the rescue of all our peoples.

We are ready to serve as mediators between both sides but we need your help.