May 27, 2003

JERUSALEM - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), thanked members of the Lutheran church here for their faithfulness to God and for their efforts to promote a lasting and just peace for all people in the Middle East. The Lutherans' "steadfastness in the face of great suffering becomes God's proclamation to the world," said Hanson.

"Today, you embody the risen Christ in the world," he told the combined churches of Arabic- and English-speaking members and invited guests.

Hanson, who is leading an eight-member ELCA delegation here, preached May 25 during worship at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, located in the "Old City." The congregation is one of five of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan (and Palestine) (ELCJ).

The Lutheran church - which emphasizes healing, reconciliation and building partnerships in its ministry - consists of about 2,000 members, nearly all of whom are Palestinian.

Hanson's message of peace and hope seemed to resonate with the congregation. The Rev. Munib A. Younan, ELCJ bishop, simultaneously translated Hanson's sermon from English into Arabic. Younan and his staff arranged the ELCA delegation's six-day visit here.

It was important for the ELCA delegation to "stand with" the ELCJ and to come to the region "in humility," Hanson said. "That's how we as Lutheran Christians approach the throne of God's grace. I can't imagine the suffering you're being asked to endure every day," he said.

Hanson preached on the same day that the Israeli cabinet, led by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, accepted the "road map" plan for peace proposed by the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations. It calls for Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian land it has occupied since 1967, and for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state by 2005. Younan favors the proposal.

"With you, we pray that the 'road map' can be the first step toward peace in the Middle East," Hanson said. "We pray that our (U.S.) government will support the road map."

In the last year, Hanson has called on the U.S. government several times to use its influence with Israelis and Palestinians to develop a lasting peace. In his sermon Hanson said the people of the United States have not "exercised full power" to bring peace to the Middle East and should repent. Repentance, he said, means one must come to a full stop, be turned and go in another direction, he said.

"The full weight of the U.S. leadership must now be exercised not as domination over the world but our standing with those who are suffering, as together we work to bring an end to violence and to bring peace," Hanson said

About one year ago, Younan telephoned Hanson to talk with him about the escalating violence here and Israeli military incursions, especially in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. In his sermon Hanson recalled how Younan asked if members of the ELCA would pray for Middle East peace and raise concerns about the violence with the U.S. government. Hanson also recalled how Younan asked if ELCA members were ready to "deny themselves, pick up the cross and follow Jesus with us," he said.

Hanson commented on each, emphasizing their connections with the Bible readings for the day, found in the book of Timothy and the Gospel of John in the Christian Bible.

In Paul's writings to Timothy, he emphasized prayer in dealing with difficulty, Hanson said.

"We join you in praying for peace," Hanson told the congregation in response to Younan's question about prayers by ELCA members. "Prayer is being open to the presence of God and being open to the power of God. In the name of Jesus today, we pray for peace with justice, an end to violence, an end to the occupation, and dignity for all. We pray, believing it is God's will to hold heaven and earth in a single peace."

Asking members to confront U.S. elected officials about specific Middle East concerns may sound political, but it isn't, Hanson said. In the Gospel of John, Hanson recalled the disciples' conversation with Jesus in which Jesus told of his impending crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, and how the disciples were concerned about their own fate. In the midst of such turmoil, Jesus spoke of promise and peace, Hanson said.

"The peace that God gives you is the peace of Christ dwelling within us," Hanson said. "Peace comes from the Holy Spirit. Nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of Christ. We in the ELCA, who belong to you by virtue of our baptism into Christ, will work with you for peace."

In Younan's request for faithful witness, Hanson reminded the congregation that God conquered the world by becoming flesh in Jesus of Nazareth and sat at tables with outcasts, extending God's mercy to those considered to be without worth. "The one who the world crucified is risen, and has defeated sin and death," he said. "Now God sends us into the world with that ministry of peace and reconciliation."

In a response, Younan praised Hanson and the ELCA for being a strong, prophetic voice for peace in the world.

"This gives us encouragement that we are not alone in the struggle," he said. "Your prayers are a source of encouragement."

Younan presented crosses to each of the three bishops who are part of the ELCA delegation - Hanson, the Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, ELCA Metropolitan New York Synod and the Rev. Floyd M. Schoenhals, bishop of the ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, Tulsa, Okla.

Presiding Bishop Speaks at Two High School Graduations

While here Hanson spoke at two graduation ceremonies for students at ELCJ schools: Talitha Kumi Lutheran School, Beit Jala, and Beit Sahour Lutheran School, Beit Sahour. He and the delegation also visited Dar Al-Kalima School, Bethlehem. Significant funding for construction of this school was provided by the ELCA.

At the graduations Hanson told the students and their parents that many people in the United States see "tanks and violence" in the Middle East, and ask Hanson what signs of hope he can offer about life here.

"The first thing I say is look to the schools of the ELCJ," Hanson said. "They are teaching us the ways of nonviolence and peace." There are five ELCJ schools in the West Bank, serving 2,000 Christian and Muslim students, said Dr. Charlie Haddad, ELCJ director for schools.

Visits to ELCJ Congregations, Refugee Camp

In addition to preaching at worship, the ELCA delegation visited ELCJ congregations and a refugee camp May 23-25:

. Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, serves about 200 members, 90 percent of whom are Palestinian refugees. The 150-year-old congregation is also home to the new International Center of Bethlehem, a place where the community can hold meetings, concerts and conferences. A media center, housing broadcast production facilities and providing working space for journalists, is also included. Construction of the International Center - funded by the government of Finland - is nearly complete.

. Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Beit Jala, is the largest ELCJ congregation, with 500 members. The congregation was founded in 1870. It is home to a boarding school for 47 boys. The Church of the Reformation is also refurbishing its sanctuary and constructing a guest housing facility for visitors, Abraham's Herberge. The $2 million housing project is expected to be completed by late October 2003. Most funds were raised by the congregation, though another $500,000 is needed to complete the work.

. A'ida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, is home to some 2,000 Palestinian refugees, some of whom have been living there for more than 40 years.

ELCA News Service