Letter of Support for the UK National Methodist Conference

Thru: The Reverend David Gamble, President, UK National Methodist Conference

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Grace to you in the name of the Prince of Peace.

The Philippine Solidarity for Just Peace in Palestine, together with Peace for Life (a global forum for justice and peace based in the Philippines), the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and the Ecumenical Bishops Forum, issued the “Philippine Church Leaders’ Statement for a Just Peace in Palestine” during the commemoration of the WCC-convened World Week for Peace in Palestine-Israel, 29 May-4 June 2010.

We would like to commend to you this statement as an expression of our strong and wholehearted support for your prophetic document on “Justice for Palestine and Israel” which will be voted on at your UK National Methodist Conference on June 24-July 1.

We in the Philippines are praying that God may grant you all wisdom and strength as you deliberate on this document which underscores the importance for Methodists to reflect more deeply on the meaning of covenant and the imperative of costly solidarity in realizing just peace in Palestine and Israel. As a church you have consistently expressed your concern over the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands by the State of Israel which, as you have correctly underlined “also makes any accommodation with the Palestinian people and future peace in the region much less possible.” We are therefore one with you in your courage to speak truth to the powers that be and in discerning just solutions with love and understanding.

Our statement, signed by several heads of churches and bishops, resonates with the themes you have highlighted and shares your strong plea for an end to the occupation. Also in response to the cry of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, our Philippine statement calls, among others:

For an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza and the collective punishment of its 1.5 million residents
For an end to apartheid and removal of the separation barrier
For a freeze of settlement construction as a first step towards the dismantlement of all illegal settlements
For the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and right of return of refugees
 
On behalf of the churches, communities and groups we represent, we extend to you our deepest solidarity and fervently pray that your Conference will overcome divisions and unite strongly behind the timely and hope-inspiring document on “Justice for Palestine and Israel”.

Prayers and peace,

(SGD) REVD. FR. REX R.B. REYES, JR.
General Secretary, National Council of Churches in the Philippines

(SGD) BISHOP ELMER M. BOLOCON
Executive Secretary, Ecumenical Bishops Forum

(SGD) FRUCTUOSO SABUG, JR.
Co-Convenor, Philippine Solidarity for Just Peace in Palestine

(SGD) CARMENCITA KARAGDAG
Coordinator, Peace for Life