An Open Letter Regarding Israel

June 4, 2010

As one who has both participated in and hosted Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land; it is with a deep sense of grief that I postpone our Fourth District 2011 Clergy Family Organization Lenten pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 

Israel has violated all the principles of compassion, reconciliation, and justice in her violent refusal to allow humanitarian aid for Palestine.  While we must continue to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem;” we must also remind Israel – “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

As there has been no shortage of condemnation of the Somali pirates; we cannot keep silent now when our friends are guilty of wrongdoing.  Very little mention is ever made of the profound suffering of Palestinian Christians in U.S. media.  Nevertheless, I know firsthand of their frustrations and distress.  In fact, the significant exodus of Christians from the Holy Land in recent years is an under-reported travesty.

As Senior Bishop of the AME Church, I am calling the Church to engage in a season of intercession for peace in our Holy Land.  Secondly, I would request that a moratorium be placed on any further investments in their economy until humanitarian concern is viably demonstrated.  Please join me.

The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant
Senior Bishop