Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 25, 2010
Jerusalem remains very tense as Israel continues to belligerently threaten settlement expansion. In the past week, the West Bank has seen four killings by the Israeli military and attacks on Israeli soldiers. In Gaza, Israeli bombings and Palestinian rocket fire have dominated the week's news. God of mercy, in this time of darkness, we pray for guidance and wisdom in order not to destroy the remaining glimmer of hope for equality and peace.
In this Easter season, pilgrims from around the world come to Jerusalem to mark the death and celebrate the resurrection of Christ. We pray that the people visiting this land will remember the powerful message of love and nonviolence demonstrated by Jesus. We also pray that Christians from the West Bank and Gaza will be able to worship in Jerusalem without hindrance.
This week, Sabeel is leading members of the local Christian community on a Contemporary Way of the Cross pilgrimage through Jerusalem's Old City. While walking the Via Dolorosa and remembering Christ's suffering, the group will reflect on the current suffering of people in this land. We pray that, in Jesus' response to oppression and death, we will also find ways to nonviolently respond to injustice with courage and love.
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI, a ministry of the World Council of Churches) welcomes its 35th team on Saturday. We give thanks for the important work done by EAPPI, through accompaniment in areas of conflict here and through advocacy in their home countries. We pray for steadfastness for team 35 as they begin their term and for blessings for team 34 as they return home to share what they experienced. Thanks be to God for the work of all people who work for justice.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
China, Hong Kong, Macao
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 18, 2010
Pressure from settlement expansion, encroachment on Al Aqsa Mosque, and Israeli crackdowns on nonviolent protests are bringing Jerusalem close to a breaking point. The tension in the city is higher than it has been in many years. We pray that justice will prevail and peace can be found before tension erupts in violence.
As Christians experience conflict and bloodshed with their Muslim neighbors in Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria, we pray that peace can be restored. May Christians and Muslims around the world draw together and refuse to allow misunderstandings to lead to further violence. Merciful God, bring your children together in their shared humanity.
On Thursday, Sabeel will host a young adult conference in Jericho for over 80 Palestinian student leaders representing 7 universities. The Muslim, Christian, and Samaritan participants from the West Bank will focus on the "Arms Down" disarmament campaign from Religions for Peace. We pray that this experience will encourage collaborative relationships and will equip young leaders in their pursuit of peace.
We give thanks to God for the lives and witnesses of The Reverend Leonard Shaheen, Anglican priest and friend of Sabeel, and Gene Stoltzfus, founding director of Christian Peacemaker Teams. Both men died last week and leave behind legacies that inspire us to remain true to Christ's radical message of justice, peace and love.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 18, 2010
Pressure from settlement expansion, encroachment on Al Aqsa Mosque, and Israeli crackdowns on nonviolent protests are bringing Jerusalem close to a breaking point. The tension in the city is higher than it has been in many years. We pray that justice will prevail and peace can be found before tension erupts in violence.
As Christians experience conflict and bloodshed with their Muslim neighbors in Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria, we pray that peace can be restored. May Christians and Muslims around the world draw together and refuse to allow misunderstandings to lead to further violence. Merciful God, bring your children together in their shared humanity.
On Thursday, Sabeel will host a young adult conference in Jericho for over 80 Palestinian student leaders representing 7 universities. The Muslim, Christian, and Samaritan participants from the West Bank will focus on the "Arms Down" disarmament campaign from Religions for Peace. We pray that this experience will encourage collaborative relationships and will equip young leaders in their pursuit of peace.
We give thanks to God for the lives and witnesses of The Reverend Leonard Shaheen, Anglican priest and friend of Sabeel, and Gene Stoltzfus, founding director of Christian Peacemaker Teams. Both men died last week and leave behind legacies that inspire us to remain true to Christ's radical message of justice, peace and love.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 11, 2010
This week, many people and countries are marking and celebrating International Women's Day. We give thanks for the sumud, the steadfast resilience, of Palestinian women living under and trying to resist occupation and the systemic violence it entails. We pray for Palestinian, Israeli and all women and men who stand firm for equality, justice and right relationships.
Tonight, in the midst of Lent, Sabeel will host a service in Gethsemane Church to pray for all who suffer from poverty, natural disasters, marginalization, violence or whatever elements limit life. Please pray for our world and all that it contains, that all may come to know life in fullness, everywhere.
This Saturday the Catholic Scouts, with help from Sabeel, are organizing an egg hunt for children in orphanages in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. We give thanks for those who work in these orphanages and pray for the children who grow up there. We offer also our prayers for all the children of Palestine and Israel, that they may grow up into a hope-filled future.
As Bethlehem Bible College begins its "Christ at the Checkpoint" conference, we give thanks for all those who will speak and participate - as well as those who are organizing it. We pray that hearts and minds will be moved, that new advocates will be born to speak out around the world in the cause of justice and peace for this land and its peoples.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Myanmar, Thailand
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 11, 2010
This week, many people and countries are marking and celebrating International Women's Day. We give thanks for the sumud, the steadfast resilience, of Palestinian women living under and trying to resist occupation and the systemic violence it entails. We pray for Palestinian, Israeli and all women and men who stand firm for equality, justice and right relationships.
Tonight, in the midst of Lent, Sabeel will host a service in Gethsemane Church to pray for all who suffer from poverty, natural disasters, marginalization, violence or whatever elements limit life. Please pray for our world and all that it contains, that all may come to know life in fullness, everywhere.
This Saturday the Catholic Scouts, with help from Sabeel, are organizing an egg hunt for children in orphanages in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. We give thanks for those who work in these orphanages and pray for the children who grow up there. We offer also our prayers for all the children of Palestine and Israel, that they may grow up into a hope-filled future.
As Bethlehem Bible College begins its "Christ at the Checkpoint" conference, we give thanks for all those who will speak and participate - as well as those who are organizing it. We pray that hearts and minds will be moved, that new advocates will be born to speak out around the world in the cause of justice and peace for this land and its peoples.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Myanmar, Thailand
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Old City of Jerusalem was quarantined on Sunday, with a cordon of police barring all Palestinian males under 50. Heavily armed Israeli riot police attacked Palestinian youths who had encamped all night in the Al Aqsa mosque. Israeli settlers, celebrating the festival of Purim, were understood to be attempting to invade the compound, and the youth were seeking to prevent them. All residents of the Old City suffered. We pray for an open and free Jerusalem where all people may live in dignity and peace.
Sabeel's departments have started the year in full swing. The Women's and Community programs have already held programs in Jericho and Birzeit and the Clergy have had a major conference. This weekend, the youth from Nazareth, the West Bank and Jerusalem will gather in Ramallah for worship and fellowship and go to Nebi Samuel to plant olive trees. We give thanks for these programs and offer our prayers for all those who participate, as well as all who lead and coordinate them.
March 2010 marks the 100th year of the building of the Ramallah Friends Meetinghouse. With a presence since the late 1800's, we give thanks to God for the great cloud of witnesses - including Sabeel's Vice President and Clerk to the Friends, Jean Zaru - who have offered worship in the meetinghouse and service beyond it to the people of this land in the pursuit of justice and peace. Hear our prayers for a good week of celebrations ahead with food for heart, soul and body.
While welcoming the rain here in Jerusalem, we recognize that we seem to live in a world which is truly groaning, with ferocious winds, torrential rains, floods, snows and another destructive earthquake. Our hearts turn to those who have been so horribly affected by these natural travails and we pray that through the earthquake, wind, and fire, we might also listen for and hear God's still, small voice of calm.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Andorra, Austria, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Old City of Jerusalem was quarantined on Sunday, with a cordon of police barring all Palestinian males under 50. Heavily armed Israeli riot police attacked Palestinian youths who had encamped all night in the Al Aqsa mosque. Israeli settlers, celebrating the festival of Purim, were understood to be attempting to invade the compound, and the youth were seeking to prevent them. All residents of the Old City suffered. We pray for an open and free Jerusalem where all people may live in dignity and peace.
Sabeel's departments have started the year in full swing. The Women's and Community programs have already held programs in Jericho and Birzeit and the Clergy have had a major conference. This weekend, the youth from Nazareth, the West Bank and Jerusalem will gather in Ramallah for worship and fellowship and go to Nebi Samuel to plant olive trees. We give thanks for these programs and offer our prayers for all those who participate, as well as all who lead and coordinate them.
March 2010 marks the 100th year of the building of the Ramallah Friends Meetinghouse. With a presence since the late 1800's, we give thanks to God for the great cloud of witnesses - including Sabeel's Vice President and Clerk to the Friends, Jean Zaru - who have offered worship in the meetinghouse and service beyond it to the people of this land in the pursuit of justice and peace. Hear our prayers for a good week of celebrations ahead with food for heart, soul and body.
While welcoming the rain here in Jerusalem, we recognize that we seem to live in a world which is truly groaning, with ferocious winds, torrential rains, floods, snows and another destructive earthquake. Our hearts turn to those who have been so horribly affected by these natural travails and we pray that through the earthquake, wind, and fire, we might also listen for and hear God's still, small voice of calm.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Andorra, Austria, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland
Friday, February 26, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 25, 2010
Last week, Friends of Sabeel-North America hosted a large conference in Seattle. This week, another conference will be held in Honolulu. On March 5, a third Sabeel conference will take place near San Francisco. The conferences feature Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim speakers. We pray that these events will inspire new and powerful action to change American policy toward Israel and Palestine.
This Thursday marks the 16th anniversary of the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre in Hebron. In 1994, an Israeli settler's killing of 29 people at prayer resulted in riots and curfews and the closure of Shuhada Street-the main artery of the city. In the past week, Israel included the Cave of the Patriarchs (Ibrahimi Mosque) and Rachel's Tomb (in Bethlehem) on a list of Israeli heritage sites. On Thursday, Palestinians will hold a nonviolent action to pressure Israel to end its chokehold on Hebron and to reopen Shuhada Street. We pray for the safety of all people involved in Thursday's action.
Friday, March 5, is the World Day of Prayer. This year's prayer was written by the women of Cameroon. They say, "In the Cameroonian context, people praise God even in, and especially during, difficult times in their lives. This is because generally we consider life to be God's greatest gift to us. As long as one has breath, there is hope. So we sing in the hope that things will be better." May it be so.
Starting March 12, Bethlehem Bible College will host a conference titled "Christ at the Checkpoint: Theology in the Service of Peace and Justice." The conference is designed to reach people and churches not previously involved in Palestine. We are thankful for all organizations that encourage Christians to explore Christ's message of justice and peace and to then apply that message to their lives.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
France, Germany
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 25, 2010
Last week, Friends of Sabeel-North America hosted a large conference in Seattle. This week, another conference will be held in Honolulu. On March 5, a third Sabeel conference will take place near San Francisco. The conferences feature Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim speakers. We pray that these events will inspire new and powerful action to change American policy toward Israel and Palestine.
This Thursday marks the 16th anniversary of the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre in Hebron. In 1994, an Israeli settler's killing of 29 people at prayer resulted in riots and curfews and the closure of Shuhada Street-the main artery of the city. In the past week, Israel included the Cave of the Patriarchs (Ibrahimi Mosque) and Rachel's Tomb (in Bethlehem) on a list of Israeli heritage sites. On Thursday, Palestinians will hold a nonviolent action to pressure Israel to end its chokehold on Hebron and to reopen Shuhada Street. We pray for the safety of all people involved in Thursday's action.
Friday, March 5, is the World Day of Prayer. This year's prayer was written by the women of Cameroon. They say, "In the Cameroonian context, people praise God even in, and especially during, difficult times in their lives. This is because generally we consider life to be God's greatest gift to us. As long as one has breath, there is hope. So we sing in the hope that things will be better." May it be so.
Starting March 12, Bethlehem Bible College will host a conference titled "Christ at the Checkpoint: Theology in the Service of Peace and Justice." The conference is designed to reach people and churches not previously involved in Palestine. We are thankful for all organizations that encourage Christians to explore Christ's message of justice and peace and to then apply that message to their lives.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
France, Germany
Friday, February 19, 2010
Pacific Sabeel Conferences
In coming weeks, many Pacific Coast Progressive Christians will gather to contemplate what justice requires of US in Israel and Palestine. Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) is hosting conferences in the Pacific Northwest, Hawai'i and Northern California for the next few weekends.
FOSNA is an American affiliate of Sabeel, the Palestinian Liberation Theology organization founded by Anglican Canon, the Rev. Naim Ateek. Among the speakers headlining all of the conferences are Mohammad Alatar, Naim Ateek, Anna Baltzer, Mark Braverman and Jeff Halper:
The first conference is this weekend in Seattle, WA February 19 and 20. Additional speakers include Neve Gordon, Kathleen and Bill Christison and Cindy and Craig Corrie:
Among the weekend's workshops is one offered by blogger, Richard Silverstein:
The next conference is in Honolulu, HI February 26 and 27:
The last conference is in Marin County, March 4 and 5:
Additional workshops are offered by guests such as Omar Barghouti, Mads Gilbert, Paul Larudee, Barbara Lubin, Edward Peck and Stephen Zunes:
The conferences last for two days, but it is possible to attend just one day or the other. So if you missed today's session in Seattle, it is still possible to make tomorrow's. Sabeel conferences are great opportunities not only to learn, but to meet other activists. A few of us in the Bay Area are planning a get together for I/P bloggers after the Marin Sabeel Conference (contact me, rustdotypipesatyahoodotcom, for details).
Friends of Sabeel regional conferences are an effective tool for broadening awareness among western Christians on the issues relevant to the peoples of the Holy Land. Drawing on a rich pool of expertise in the fields of theology, biblical scholarship, church social justice teaching, regional history, international law, foreign policy and political currents, these educational events are able to attract wide participation from an ecumenical audience. Our speakers are individuals who represent the Palestinian Christian and Muslim communities as well as the Israeli Jewish community--religious leaders, scholars, writers and activists. American presenters come from all three religious traditions and from secular strands within the Sabeel movement.
FOSNA is an American affiliate of Sabeel, the Palestinian Liberation Theology organization founded by Anglican Canon, the Rev. Naim Ateek. Among the speakers headlining all of the conferences are Mohammad Alatar, Naim Ateek, Anna Baltzer, Mark Braverman and Jeff Halper:
Mohammed Alatar - Filmmaker and human rights activist from town of Jenin in the West Bank. Nominated for the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Humanity in 2002 for his work campaigning for human rights. Films include The Iron Wall and Jerusalem: The East Side Story.
The Rev Naim Ateek The Rev. Naim Ateek is an Arab Israeli citizen, founder and leader of Sabeel, (Arabic for 'the way'), and a former canon pastor of the Episcopal Cathedral of Jerusalem. He is the author of many books and articles including Justice and Only Justice: A Palestinian Theology of Liberation and, most recently, A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation. He has been called the Bishop Tutu of Palestine.
Anna Baltzer - Jewish-American granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Fulbright scholar and volunteer with International Women’s Peace Service, where she documented human rights abuses. Author of Witness in Palestine: Journal of a Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories.
Mark Braverman is a Jewish American clinical psychologist, founder of Crisis Management Group Associates in Maryland, and activist for justice. Mark focuses on the role of religious beliefs and theology in the current discourse on Israel/Palestine and the future of interfaith relations. He has recently published Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews, and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land.
Jeff Halper is coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) and an Israeli-American peace activist. He is also a professor of anthropology, an acclaimed speaker and a 2006 Nobel Prize nominee. He is the author of Obstacles to Peace: A Re-framing of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict and An Israeli In Palestine: Resisting Dispossession, Redeeming Israel.
The first conference is this weekend in Seattle, WA February 19 and 20. Additional speakers include Neve Gordon, Kathleen and Bill Christison and Cindy and Craig Corrie:
Neve Gordon is a senior lecturer on Politics and Government at Ben Gurion University, the author of Israel's Occupation, and editor of From the Margins of Globalization: Critical Perspectives on Human Rights.
Kathleen and Bill Christison: Kathleen is a former CIA political analyst and has worked on Middle East issues for 35 years. She is the author of Perceptions of Palestine and The Wound of Dispossession. Bill is also formerly with the CIA. Kathleen and Bill have just published Palestine in Pieces: Graphic Perspectives on the Israeli Occupation.
Cindy and Craig Corrie are the parents of Rachel Corrie and founders of the Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice
Among the weekend's workshops is one offered by blogger, Richard Silverstein:
... media panel on Saturday, February 20th at 3:15 PM:
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in the Media
Richard Silverstein, author of Tikun Olam, Israeli-Palestinian peace blog
Bruce Ramsey, Seattle Times editorial writer
Larry Johnson former foreign editor, Seattle Post Intelligencer and author, Looking for Trouble, foreign affairs blog
The panel will examine the nature and quality of reporting on the conflict in both the U.S.:
Getting more & better coverage into the media
Making coverage more accessible to the average American
the collapse of print media: how does it alter the landscape for coverage
Where do people get their coverage of the conflict?
Critique of media coverage of I-P conflict: why is so much, so bad?
Political issues that should be covered and aren’t?
Improving communications between Israeli, Palestinian and U.S. media and peace activists
Role of digital media, social networking in expanding access to news about the conflict
The next conference is in Honolulu, HI February 26 and 27:
What Does Justice Require of US?
Peace with Justice in the Holy Land
a conference presented by Friends of Sabeel Hawai'i
Conference Goals: Educate others about the conflict in Palestine/israel; Provide a venue for discussion and dialogue; Empower U.S. citizens to become effectivde advocates of a just and peaceful solution.
Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii
229 Queen Emma Square
Honolulu, HI 96813
The last conference is in Marin County, March 4 and 5:
A Time for Truth, A Time for Action:
Palestine/Israel & the U.S. at the Crossroads
First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo
Additional workshops are offered by guests such as Omar Barghouti, Mads Gilbert, Paul Larudee, Barbara Lubin, Edward Peck and Stephen Zunes:
Omar Barghouti - Independent Palestinian researcher, commentator and human rights activist committed to upholding international law and universal human rights. Founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and of the Palestinian Civil Society Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. Holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University, NY.
...
Dr. Mads Gilbert - Norwegian doctor specializing in anesthesiology and emergency medicine. Solidarity worker with a range of international experience, including in Lebanon and Palestine. Provided emergency medical support in Gaza during Israeli attacks in December 2008 and January 2009. Has written and lectured about this experience.
...
Dr. Paul Larudee - Human rights advocate for peace and justice in Palestine. Active in the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a Palestinian-led movement dedicated to nonviolent resistance to the occupation. Was wounded in 2002 by Israeli gunfire in an attempt by ISM volunteers to help Palestinian families. Cofounder of Free Gaza Movement, whose boats became the first in 41 years to enter Gaza by sea, breaking the Israeli naval blockade. Founder of the Free Palestine Movement. Holds a PhD in linguistics from Georgetown University.
Barbara Lubin - Life-long peace, justice and disability rights activist and leader. Cofounder of the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA), which has delivered more than $17 million in food and medical aid to children in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon and provided support for hundreds of community projects in the West Bank and Gaza. Has led nearly .20 delegations of North Americans to the Middle East.
...
Ambassador Edward Peck - Career Foreign Service officer who has held senior posts in Washington and abroad, including service in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt. Was ambassador in Mauritania, chief of mission in Iraq, deputy director of Covert Intelligence Programs, director of the Office of Egyptian Affairs and special assistant to the under secretary for political affairs. Served as deputy director of the White House Task Force on Terrorism in the Reagan
Administration. Currently president of Foreign Services International, a consulting firm working with governments, businesses and educational institutions.
...
Dr. Stephen Zunes - Professor of politics and international studies and chair of the program of Middle East Studies at the University of San Francisco. Author of numerous articles on U.S. policy, the Middle East, nonviolence and human rights. Has received several awards for his work. Author of Tinderbox: U.S Middle East Policy and the Roots of Terrorism.
The conferences last for two days, but it is possible to attend just one day or the other. So if you missed today's session in Seattle, it is still possible to make tomorrow's. Sabeel conferences are great opportunities not only to learn, but to meet other activists. A few of us in the Bay Area are planning a get together for I/P bloggers after the Marin Sabeel Conference (contact me, rustdotypipesatyahoodotcom, for details).
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 18, 2010
Last week's Sabeel clergy conference in Jericho brought together 51 ministers and priests from all Palestinian denominations to discuss the challenges facing today's clergy in this land. Thirty Muslim sheikhs also participated in one day of the conference. We pray that the relationships made at the conference will develop into strong ties between the various Palestinian denominations and faiths.
As we enter this Lenten season of prayer and penitence, our prayers for justice take a more personal tone. We confess there have been times when we have failed to speak the truth because it meant confrontation, times when action seemed too difficult, and instances when we failed to fully trust in God. May we use this season to reflect on the things that make for peace and to recommit ourselves to Christ's message of nonviolent transformation that was demonstrated at the cross.
The Canadian government, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), recently began to distance itself from groups that speak out about the current situation in Palestine and Israel and organizations that provide support to Palestinians. CIDA also canceled its regular $15 million donation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These developments in Ottawa can only hamper the important work of organizations that seek a just peace. We pray that politicians and voters will recognize the need for, and the value of, speaking the truth to power.
Israel continues to hint at its interest in military actions in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Gaza. We pray that the nations of the world will denounce this saber-rattling and encourage Israel to engage in an honest peace process instead of maintaining a perpetual state of war.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 18, 2010
Last week's Sabeel clergy conference in Jericho brought together 51 ministers and priests from all Palestinian denominations to discuss the challenges facing today's clergy in this land. Thirty Muslim sheikhs also participated in one day of the conference. We pray that the relationships made at the conference will develop into strong ties between the various Palestinian denominations and faiths.
As we enter this Lenten season of prayer and penitence, our prayers for justice take a more personal tone. We confess there have been times when we have failed to speak the truth because it meant confrontation, times when action seemed too difficult, and instances when we failed to fully trust in God. May we use this season to reflect on the things that make for peace and to recommit ourselves to Christ's message of nonviolent transformation that was demonstrated at the cross.
The Canadian government, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), recently began to distance itself from groups that speak out about the current situation in Palestine and Israel and organizations that provide support to Palestinians. CIDA also canceled its regular $15 million donation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These developments in Ottawa can only hamper the important work of organizations that seek a just peace. We pray that politicians and voters will recognize the need for, and the value of, speaking the truth to power.
Israel continues to hint at its interest in military actions in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Gaza. We pray that the nations of the world will denounce this saber-rattling and encourage Israel to engage in an honest peace process instead of maintaining a perpetual state of war.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain
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