World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel

May 28th marks the beginning of the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel.

It's an initiative of the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum of the World Council of Churches.

The Convenor of the initiative is Reverand John Calhoun, a United Methodist pastor from the US who currently serves in Kiev in the Ukraine.

Speaking to Linda Bordoni, Rev. Calhoun reveals that the "Week for Peace" was "founded back in 2007 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the 1967 six-day war which resulted in the occupation by Israeli forces of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip".

listen to the interview...

Rev. Calhoun explains, in this occasion the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches invites member churches, faith-based communities, and civil society organizations to join together for a week of advocacy and action in support of an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel.

It's an invitation to congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice shall unite during the week to take peaceful actions, together, to create a common international public witness.

Rev. Calhoun says that churches in at least 21 countries around the world participate and send a clear signal to policy-makers, community groups, and their own parishes about the urgent need for a peace settlement that ends the illegal occupation and secures the legitimate rights and future of both peoples.

As indicated on its website at www.worldweekforpeace.org, during the World Week for Peace 2012, which takes place from 28 May to 3 June, participants are encouraged to plan their activities around a number of principles:

- Praying with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem and other worship resources prepared for the week.

- Educating about actions that make for peace, and about facts on the ground that do not create peace, especially issues related to displacement.

- Advocating with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.
This annual observance of a week of prayer, education, and advocacy calls participants to work for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine, so that Palestinians and Israelis can finally live in peace.