Posted on 04/24/2002 6:34:28 AM PDT by Thinkin' Gal
AMMAN (Agencies) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday called on Muslims and Christians to work together for peace and urged the US National Council of Churches to draw the world's attention to the humanitarian tragedy in the Palestinian territories.
Addressing a delegation representing the council at the Royal Court, King Abdullah said Jerusalem should remain a symbol of peace and a sanctuary for the followers of the three monotheistic religions, drawing them closer together.
Such work is urgently needed under the present and difficult circumstances affecting the region, the King said. Jordan, he said, is a nation where the coexistence of its Islamic and Christian communities is exemplary.
King Abdullah outlined to the delegation Jordan's efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in cooperation with international non-governmental organisations.
Urging the council to draw the world's attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine, he said infrastructure services in the occupied territories have been completely destroyed by the Israeli forces.
“We are one family, and we should express our desire to live in peace and enjoy prosperity and coexistence,” said the King. He said Jordan fully supported the US Council of Churches' efforts to achieve peace and reduce the suffering of the Palestinian people.
In response to questions from members of the delegation, King Abdullah said if Israel wishes to live in peaceful coexistence with the countries of the region, its interests should not be confined to the "security dimension" because, alone, such a policy does not help bring about peace.
He stressed that the Palestine question is a political rather than a security issue, stressing that the Palestinians are seeking independence and the establishment of their own state on their national soil.
King Abdullah referred to the Beirut Arab summit meeting where, he said, the Arab leaders expressed their desire to have peace with Israel and establish normal ties with the Jewish state, saying that unless the Palestinian state is established such a desire cannot be fulfilled.
The King told the religious delegation, whose members will travel to the Palestinian territories, that the US assumes an important role and a serious responsibility towards this region where it has its own interests and credibility to protect.
Rev. Robert W. Edgar, who is leading the delegation, voiced the council's appreciation of King Abdullah's role in the region, securing the relief aid to the Palestinians and facilitating the mission of various international organisations.
Edgar, a Methodist clergyman and former US congressman, said the delegation is heading to the Palestinian territories carrying emergency relief aid. He said the council's delegation is currently on a peace mission to learn more about the actual situation in the Palestinian territories.
The delegation's visit came at the invitation of the Middle East Council of Churches and Jerusalem church leaders. The ecumenical group had said it was visiting to offer pastoral support for Christians in the Holy Land and to encourage Christians, Jews and Muslims who are seeking peace.
The National Council of Churches, founded in 1950, comprises 36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox denominations across the United States. It is known for taking up such social issues as fighting racism and poverty.
Jordanian girls sing for peace in Palestine at St John Baptist Church in Amman, April 18, 2002. Hundreds of Moslems and Christians gathered to sing for Palestine in Amman, while Jordan's King Abdullah urged U.S. President George W. Bush during a telephone call on Thursday to pressure Israel to withdrew immediately from Palestinian cites and end the seige of President Yasser Arafat. REUTERS/Ali Jarekji
Yeah, the little kinglet's old man sure set a stellar example back in 1970.
The desire of women? Ha.
There's their definition of alieviating suffering. No doubt they'd like to help Israel even more than the Palis.
It's good to be so constantly reminded about why I withdrew from the Methodist church so many years ago.
The Palistinian Arabs were given a state in 1948. You may have heard of it. It's called "Jordan".
Yeah, sing for that entity called "Palestine" created by a pagan Roman emperor.
Pitch, Revelation 2:22
Catch, Daniel 7:25
I think Abdullah is operating on autopilot...so to speak...
B. Because since it doesn't, Jordan may be invited to re-enter the West Bank soon?
These fallen leftish "churches" so called, do not represent anyone but their atheistic little Marxist, socialist, homosexual selves. Any denomination that participates in this, all real Christians should leave.
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