ELCA attacks Israel (help a FReeper ELCA member out)

ELCA ^ | 2/6/2010` | ELCA Bishop Hanson

[Dengar01]

Messages and Statements 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 Bishop's Messages

For a complete listing by date of messages and statements made by Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, visit Recent Messages.

Or select a message from the following categories:

* General Messages * Messages to Rostered Leaders * Holy Day Messages * Monthly Column in The Lutheran

For messages from the presiding bishop made prior to 2008, visit Archived Messages, 2001-2007.

Our Faithful Mission Together: As members of the ELCA, we are sent to do God's work with our hands. We are called to engage in difficult conversations that sometimes reveal our differences. Our Faithful Mission Together As members of the ELCA, we are sent to do God's work with our hands. We are called to engage in difficult conversations that sometimes reveal our differences.

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[Dengar01]

oh and add me to your ping list if you wouldn’t mind, i’d like to keep up to date at what these heathens are up to.

[flaglady47]

“I am gonna have to network with some Chicagoland FReepers.”

Guess what, I am a Chicagoland Freeper. What suburb do you live in? I’m in Downers Grove.

[lightman]

It is--the FReeper who posted it meant well so I didn't want to do the "already posted" scolding that sometimes happens.

I pinged it to "cross pollinate" the discussion of both articles.

[aberaussie]

I attended the 2005 and 2007 Churchwide Assemblies. If I remember correctly, both had significant anti-Israel motions, and the majority of the voting members supported them. The ELCA has always been anti-Israel and many other things that made me think that the leadership was making policy right off of Democrat talking points. We left a couple of years ago, after being members of our church for 29 years.

[Honorary Serb]

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Brewer

Be proud!!!!

[Mr. Lucky]

Just try attending a LCMS service to see what you think of it. While all congregations are theologically conservative, the liturgy may vary from the English version of the 500 year old mass to the “Jesus is my boyfriend, aren’t I cool” service.

[superdad]

I understand the Israeli army allows gays to serve. If it comes out the commandos were gay, the ELCA will have a breakdown.

Seriously, try the LCMS, you will get the the Bible, not liberal tripe.