Received January 30
Churches for Middle East Peace
implores the governments of the world to embark on a course of
peace and justice - not war - in 2003.

We call upon the United States
To take actions to prevent war with Iraq, work through the UN to ensure Iraq's compliance with Security Council resolutions, take concrete steps to bring about a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, and be cautious in the "war on terrorism," ensuring that our actions do not intensify hatred, violence, injustice, and poverty among citizens of our world.

We call upon Iraq
To work openly and truthfully with the UN weapons inspectors to reveal any and all research and development of weapons of mass destruction, end violent and oppressive practices against its own people, and become again a fully cooperative member in the community of nations.

We call upon Palestinians
To take immediate steps to end the violence against citizens of Israel and others, both in Israel and in the occupied territories, pursue democratic reforms within their political structures, and undertake measures to ensure the long-term security of Israel while developing a new Palestinian state.

We call upon Israel
To cease military operations and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, begin immediate preparations to end the occupation of these territories and halt building or expansion of settlements, and implement peaceful steps that will advance the creation of a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Mission Service, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church.