Browning and Kafity Express Dismay at U.S. and Israeli Policy in Middle East
Episcopal News Service. April 7, 1994 [94069]
At the end of a 10-day pilgrimage in the Middle East, Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning was joined by his counterpart in Jerusalem, PresidentBishop Samir Kafity, in a joint statement that reaffirmed a commitment to "support the creation of a sovereign state for a new Palestine while assuring peace and security for Israel." (See full text in Newsfeatures section.)
The statement, signed Easter Monday at diocesan offices at St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem, also expressed "dismay at the uneven approach to the Israeli-Palestinian problem by the United States government for so many years." It also deplored "the uncritical support of many members of the U.S. Congress for positions of the Israeli lobby in Washington."
"We note with equal dismay President Bill Clinton's repeated campaign position that Jerusalem be the capital of Israel," the statement added, calling the position "an unfortunate capitulation to the Israeli lobby." The statement charged that the President was overlooking "the profound issue of Jerusalem as a city sacred to Muslims and Christians as well as Jews."
In addressing the issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, the two primates said that "this exasperating policy by Israel remains a deep impediment to the peace process....We urgently seek an end to U.S. loan guarantees and the withholding of aid until this practice has ceased once and for all."
During the "spiritual journey consecrated to the cause of peace for all peoples of this region," the party visited Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, meeting with high level church and government officials. In Egypt, for example, they visited President Hosni Mubarak and Pope Shenouda of the Coptic Orthodox Church and joined other Christians for Palm Sunday services. In Syria they met with patriarchs of the ancient Oriental Orthodox churches and diplomatic officials. In Jordan they spoke with King Hussein and in Israel they met with Prime Minister Rabin.
The presiding bishop joined Kafity during Holy Week services: a foot-washing service on Maundy Thursday, tracing the path of Jesus to the cross on the via dolorosa on Good Friday, a confirmation service during the Easter Vigil and preaching at Easter services at St. George's Cathedral, the see of the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East.