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Thursday, April 14, 2005

ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN RECONCILIATION MINISTRY GATHERS LEADERS AND FAMILIES FOR REUNION

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (ANS) -- Leaders and their families who attended last years’ Musalaha Reconciliation Ministries' Family Conference recently reunited for a follow-up gathering, where around 70 people participated. (Pictured: Young people getting together at the conference).
Before the event, many people were looking forward to the meeting; the children were especially excited and had a great deal of fun playing games and doing projects, according to a report received by ASSIST News Service (ANS).

In the adults’ time together, they reintroduced their families by making collages. Using the collages, people described their families, their past and present, and their hopes for the future. It was a humorous and light way to present prayer requests, struggles and praises from each family. (Pictured: Families display collages made to describe their families, past and present and hopes for the future).

In the second part of the session the families did a study and role play based on Psalm 85:10, an activity originally shared with them by brothers working in conflict-resolution in Northern Ireland.

"We talked about the verse as it relates to our context, and how all concepts (love, faithfulness/mercy, peace, and rightousness/justice) are needed for reconciliation. One part of the activity was a role play, where groups represented justice, mercy, truth and peace," said a ministry spokesman.

"First, we asked how each quality was perceived in the Middle Eastern context, and second, we asked which other quality they were most comfortable or uncomfortable with," the spokesman said.

In past discussions, most dialogue centered on justice and peace.

"Raising mercy and truth as important components of reconciliation was a surprise. In the Middle East, all four components are necessary. People’s character and personality or background tends to sway them towards one component or another. For example, justice is important for Palestinians, and Israelis believers tend to raise the issue of truth and perceptions of Biblical truth. In our discussion, participants raised clear questions and challenges surrounding justice. We challenged each other, that as we hear the voice of justice, we also need to listen to mercy. With the voice of truth, we must also listen for the voice of peace. In the disappointments of the last few years, we see why 'peace' is not attractive to people.

"From there our groups moved to talk about how and what this implies for the Middle East conflict and for our conflict in general. In our discussion we took examples from history and recent events, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. In that case, if there was only the issue of justice following apartheid, then there would be continuous bloodshed. At the same time, mercy without truth causes the victim to be continuously victimized.

"It became clear that in conflict, a balance of justice, mercy, truth and peace is needed for reconciliation. Not only does this apply to national and ethnic/religious conflict, but also to conflict within our congregations or in our family lives."

SEMINAR ON FAITH-BASED RECONCILIATION:
Musalaha’s Role Among Non-Believers

In the last 15 years, Musalaha has concentrated its main work of reconciliation among Israeli and Palestinian believers in the Messiah.

"We have welcomed non-believers to our activities, and some have participated. Our hearts' desire from the beginning, as stated in the mission statement, has been to share our message and principles of reconciliation with our respective non-believing communities, including segments of Israeli Jewish and Palestinian Muslim. In exploring ways to convey the message of reconciliation, we are mindful of the issues that we do not want to lose the unique and the distinct message and foundation that we have as believers," the ministry spokesman said.

"In our search for ways to approach this challenge, Brian Cox of the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy, came to our attention. Cox has been one of the pioneers and practitioners of faith-based diplomacy and of integrating the spiritual and political/diplomatic dimensions of reconciliation with international conflict resolution. In recent years, Brian has been involved in promoting reconciliation from his Christian based convictions in places like Kashmir, among Hindus and Muslims, and Sudan. "He brings the message of reconciliation through emphasis on the Abrahamic traditions that exist in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. In his work he states very clearly his faith and stance, but at the same time looks to others’ traditions about conflict-resolution and reconciliation."

Cox’s input was significant for those at Musalaha, as he emphasized the role of faith and religion in resolving conflict, the spokesman said.

"Some efforts to reconciliation and conflict approach it from a secular point of view, downplaying the role of religion. Here in the Middle East, religion is a major factor, because it plays a defining role in people’s identity. Not to relate to religion is to dismiss an important component that determines peoples’ attitudes towards each other, especially towards those who they consider enemies."

This meeting was an important step for Musalaha, as they gathered some board members and a group of leaders to study with Cox.

"As he shared his methodology and views, the challenge and discussion now is how to implement and advance. Together we are exploring ways to work with him in the future to share the message of reconciliation with non-believing communities. Please pray for us in this endeavor, as we very much need the Lord’s discernment, wisdom, and guidance on how to proceed."

The spokesman expressed thanks to all who have covered this ministry and its activities in your prayers.

If you would like to contribute towards covering the expenses of Musalaha projects, please send donations (tax deductible) to Reconciliation Ministries (PO Box 238, Medina, WA 98039-0238, USA), or in the UK to The Andrew Christian Trust (123 Smithills Dean Road, Smithills, Bolton, Lancashire, BL1 6JZ; Registered Charity Number: 327845) Make checks out to Reconciliation Ministries or The Andrew Christian Trust, and in a letter designate the funds for Musalaha.
** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Garden Grove, CA. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in Sept., 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.
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