Posted on 02/23/2006 8:22:40 AM PST by Alouette
American evangelicals form umbrella body in bid to unite efforts in support of Israel. New organization to represent some 35 million Christians
WASHINGTON - Pro-Israeli Christian groups operating in the United States have decided to form an umbrella organization that will engage in lobbying efforts in Washington beginning this coming summer.
The organization, made up of mostly evangelical groups, will also open offices across the country, hold events in support of Israel, offer political, financial and public relations support, and work to strengthen the strategic alliance between the U.S. and Israel.
This umbrella organization is expected to comprise some 30-35 million American evangelists who have until now operated separately, and will act similarly to the way the Jewish lobby operates in the U.S.
The new organization will be led by John Hagee, an influential evangelist with some put at the White House, who heads a congregation of tens of thousands of worshippers in San Antonio, Texas. Hagee's Sunday sermons are broadcast to millions of American viewers on television.
Some two weeks ago, Hagee convened 400 heads of Christian congregations and organizations, representing 30-35 million Americans, to discuss the establishment of the umbrella organization, set to be directed by Hagee himself. Israel's Ambassador in Washington Danny Ayalon later hosted a special meeting with 80 Christian leaders, including Robert Stern, designated to serve as vice chairman of the organization.
In July, heads of the group are scheduled to arrive in D.C. and present their initiative before members of Congress.
'Cooperation with evangelists near consensus'
Up until now, Christians in the U.S. have only joined forces once a year, during the "Day of Prayer for Israel," held for the fourth time this year. Ambassador Ayalon and Israel's consuls in different parts of the country have routinely attended the events.
Ayalon welcomed the establishment of the new umbrella body and said that nurturing the relations with Christian communities is an important goal. During the last four years, Israel has institutionalized ties with Christian groups, Ayalon said, adding the Jewish community overcame many fears regarding this cooperation, which is now "almost a consensus."
According to Ayalon, the pro-Israeli Christian community in the U.S. is a prominent community in American society and constitutes a significant aspect of strategic relations between the two countries.
The formation of this umbrella organization is an important development that may ensure Christian support for Israel for many years to come, Ayalon concluded.
Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.
Excellent!
I view this as a very positive step. We should come together on messages to the DC crowd since there are a large number of overlapping beliefs and issues. Of course the lefties will start saying that this "proves" their Right-Wing-Zionist-Evangelical conspiracy theories but to hell with the left anyway. It seems that it is falling more to those of us who are conservative Christian supporters of Israel to continue to increase our voices.
Props to righteous Christian defenders of Israel the Jewish home!
Ping!
The ECUSA and "The World Council of Churches Nobody Goes To Anymore" sure won't be a part of this.
Excellent news. I want Israel to know that they will always have a friend in the United States.
.
You got that right. The WCC can't stand Israel.
I'm a supporter.
"Right-Wing-Zionist-Evangelical conspiracy"
Where do I sign?
Hop in line right behind me!
Praise the Lord! I was raised Roman Catholic, but I could definitely participate in this, and pass it on to my friends and family. Any contact info?
I'm next, I'm next!
Spotted Owl and Co.
Try the following link:
http://www.cufi.org/
Shaalu Shalom Yerushalayim
John Hagee's a great preacher and a good man. I wish he were a Noachide! Well, an observant Noachide. I mean, he's already a Noachide.
Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel.
..................
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.