Posted on 06/02/2010 9:49:25 AM PDT by lightman
Statement Regarding the Israeli Military Interception of Gaza Flotilla from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
On behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran World Federation, organizations that are deeply engaged with and committed to the Lutheran Christians and all persons living in Palestine and Israel, I express my deep sadness regarding events surrounding the flotilla seeking to deliver humanitarian goods to Gaza. We deeply regret the deaths and injuries that resulted when Israeli forces intercepted the boats. Our thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and the families of those killed or otherwise harmed during this incident. We note that this tragic incident occurred on the first day of the World Council of Churches’ World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel.
This incident raises many questions that must be answered. We therefore call for a full, international, and independent investigation into this matter.
While we condemn all violence in the resolution of political disputes, this incident raises a number of questions related to the just use of force. It is not clear that, in this incident, all alternatives were explored prior to the use of military force. One tenet of the just use of force is proportionality, a principle I raised during my meeting with the chief rabbis of the State of Israel during Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli incursion into Gaza which lasted from December 2008 to January 2009. This incident provides an example of how proportionality is an ongoing concern related to Israeli military action against civilians, both Palestinians and internationals.
The attempt to deliver humanitarian materials to Gaza via the flotilla highlights the ongoing blockade of Gaza with all its consequences for the 1.5 million people living there. Israel’s blockade must be fully lifted, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1860. While some humanitarian aid has been allowed to reach the people of Gaza, the economy, particularly the agricultural and fishing sectors, has been devastated. Basic goods including seeds and seedlings, plastic piping, irrigation supplies, fishing nets, engine spare parts, veterinary drugs and cement are restricted.
The World Health Organization has documented the serious deterioration in Gaza’s health system due to restrictions for patients and medical personnel attempting to travel into or out of Gaza. The welfare of the people of Gaza and the safety of Israelis will be served by opening the monitored border crossings in a secure manner for aid, trade and commerce.
This tragic event demonstrates the urgency of achieving a just peace. One role of religious leaders, including the churches, is to strengthen those voices working for peace, rather than yielding to the clamor of extremism, as we seek a just peace beneficial for all persons in the region.
We urge that this incident not interrupt the proximity talks now being conducted through the Obama administration. Instead, we expect that this incident will intensify on all sides the commitment to serious negotiations that will lead to a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America President, Lutheran World Federation
That sums it up nicely! Good job! (And the same applies to all liberal Christians and Jews who share the ELCA view)
Yes, but they are not a good fit for my family.
Now I know I’m not going to ELCA churches anymore.
“World Council of Churches’ World Week for Peace”
Oh barf.
Why are you? We left the ELCA for the LCMS SEVENTEEN years ago. We knew then what they were.
We did it and have not been sorry for one minute and if the LCMS ever abandons Biblical teachings, we'll be gone from there, too.
You sound like the Catholics that lurk here. The Pastor has the personality of a DMV employee. I like what the the new synod has to offer. That is independence. We we told what to do by the ELCA. The MCLC is a church up organization. Sorry I can not please you.
Leni
The new LCMC ordains women, which is a deal breaker and they also practice open communion. I know the idea of open communion sounds welcoming but the Lord's Supper is much more than a social event. I take I Corinthians 11:27 seriously.
What questions do you have?
You did not offend. I personally prefer male Pastors. I do not find the issue of female pastors a deal breaker. I have found that (generally) they are great care givers but poor leaders. I am just struggling right now. It is difficult to leave a church you have been a member of since you were 10. Pray for me and my family.
But after the last merger in 88, the ELCA went way over the cliff and I knew I couldn't tolerate it.
The LCMS church we are in now has been the biggest blessing of my life and I'm not kidding. I've probably gotten more "meat" since we changed to the LCMS than I had gotten all the years prior. Part of it was my own fault but the ELCA now is incapable of giving anyone the true Word of God.
It looks to me like a lot of people (and churches) are patiently waiting to see how things "shake out" over the coming months. Some of my friends are contemplating visiting us over at our LCMS church while other friends are waiting expectantly for the NALC mission that almost certainly will start up in the area. It's good to take the time to pray and listen for God's leading. He has just the right place for each of us.
I’m not familiar with NALC. I can’t keep up. I know the LCMC is not an option as they will ordain women and have open communion. For now, I am very happy. I do expect Satanic attacks to be the norm for the real church and the attacks don’t bother me a whole lot. It will be the reaction to the attacks that are important. I have some issues that are deal breakers. If those lines are crossed, I’m outta there!!
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