Gaza and Israel
Published date: 31st December 2008
As the co-chairs of the Christian Muslim Forum we are deeply distressed by the news of hundreds dead in Gaza and deaths in Israel. We are representatives of global faiths which both have their heartlands in the Middle East. Conflict in the Middle East affects both of our communities of faith, and our Jewish sisters and brothers, wherever we live.
We are passionately committed to peace and reconciliation, dialogue and conflict resolution. We believe that the argument for and necessity of peace grows whenever violence and bloodshed in any form erupt and whoever perpetrates it, whether individuals, groups or states. We urge all parties to continue to seek peace, as our three faiths encourage us; to call to mind these seasonal words - 'peace on earth and goodwill to all' - which have such strong resonances, and to work towards re-establishing a ceasefire. We also urge our friends and supporters to continue to pray for peace.
Imam Dr Musharraf Hussain
Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham, Bishop of Kingston
Co-Chairs of the Christian Muslim Forum
Read the Archbishop of Canterbury's statement here, includes links to statements by: The Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, Chair of the Council of Christians and Jews; Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem and the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem about Al Ahli Arab Hospital
Support Christian Aid and Islamic Relief's relief work in Gaza: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/gaza-crisis/index.aspx http://www.islamic-relief.com/Emergencies-And-Appeals/emergency.aspx?emID=47
