Further Background
The letter to Sec. Rice points out the current "critical opportunity to stabilize the region by advancing a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians" and warns that a "still-born initiative could...exacerbate an already volatile situation in the Middle East." The letter supports "robust, hands-on U.S. leadership and diplomacy" before and after the meeting and also urges Sec. Rice to take "additional measures" to ensure success, particularly a reorientation and expansion of U.S. assistance. The assistance would meet the needs of the Palestinian people, "for clean government, public order, economic opportunity, and salaried employment" and would include "long-term economic development and job creation programs." Reps. Ackerman and Boustany appeal to Sec. Rice to address "corruption and public safety in the P.A. while continuing to engage with Israel to coordinate a remittance schedule for Palestinian tax monies and to improve access and movement" to ensure that the aid will be effective. (Keep in mind that Congress holds American purse strings so this letter's recommendation on U.S. financial assistance is an important show of Congressional support for aid to the Palestinians.)

The letter concludes by emphasizing the importance of "resolving the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, through the establishment of two states for two peoples" and pledging Congressional cooperation "to ensure that [the meeting in November] is a success."

ELCA Policy Base
The ELCA has called for continued U.S. leadership in support of a viable, contiguous, independent Palestinian state and a secure Israel. The ELCA has urged U.S. leaders to engage exert stronger diplomatic pressure to this end, called for an end to all forms of violence and call on the parties to take steps toward final status negotiations and refrain from actions that would prejudice such talks. A number of these actions were endorsed by Churchwide Assemblies and resolutions adopted by the Church Council and are included in the Churchwide Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine adopted by the Church Council in April 2005.

Background
For three generations Palestinian Christians and Muslims have suffered the loss of their land and dignity, disruption of their livelihood, and lack of human rights. Along with the Palestinians, Israeli Jews have suffered the fear and pain of ongoing warfare and insecurity. This land is sacred to three major monotheistic religions, whose adherents deserve safe and unfettered access. On the positive side, this common cause offers opportunities for collaboration. In terms of global politics, what happens in the Holy Land can either help resolve conflict in the Middle East or expand it into even more deadly conflicts.

As Churches for Middle East Peace notes, "The 22 Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches that comprise the CMEP coalition have long supported a two-state solution to the conflict with a secure Israel living side-by-side in peace with a viable Palestinian state and sharing Jerusalem.  A lasting and durable solution to the conflict is in the best interest of the United States, Israel, the Palestinians and moderate forces throughout the Middle East." The ELCA has been an active participant in these efforts since CMEP's inception.

Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson has been an active member of the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative which recently made strong appeals to Secretary Rice to make Middle East peace a priority, appoint a special envoy and take advantage of the re-launch of the Arab Peace Initiative to advance negotiations.

Further background and previous actions of the ELCA on this issue are available here.