Conference of European Churches (CEC) - Office of Communications
"Press Communiqué No. 02-12/e
EUROPEAN UNION AND CHURCHES CHALLENGED ON MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT, SAYS GENERAL SECRETARY OF CEC
The General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), Dr Keith Clements, is calling upon the European Churches and the European Union to address more resolutely the issues of peace and justice in Israel-Palestine.
In a letter being sent to all CEC Member Churches and Associated Organisations, Dr Clements states:
"There is a particular responsibility here for Churches in EU member-states. There will be deep and widespread disappointment that the European Union last week was unable to come to a clear and single mind on how to exert responsible pressure on the Israeli government through the 'European Community-Israel Association Agreement.' At this critical moment in world history, now is surely the time for Europe to develop an independent, clear, courageous and unified stance in international affairs for the promotion of justice and peace beyond its own borders. Implementation of the relevant UN resolutions remains the framework within which a just solution must be sought."
A main purpose of Dr Clements' letter is to transmit to the CEC membership the declaration made by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem at their meeting with Mr Colin Powell on 13 April, calling for a total cease-fire, withdrawal of the Israeli occupying forces, the passage of humanitarian aid, the end of the illegal occupation and the search for a solution based on the relevant UN resolutions. He states: "As a matter of ecumenical solidarity with the Churches there we must surely receive, study and act upon this text in our own European context."
Dr Clements has already written twice (14 March and 15 April) to the Israeli Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Mr Yaakov Levy, in protest at the actions of the Israeli army in the Occupied Territories.
18 April 2002