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National Christian Leadership
Conference for Israel
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National Christian Leadership
Conference for Israel
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NCLCI letter to the editor |
| December 24, 1996 New York Times To the Editor: Recently an ad appeared entitled "Christians Call for a Shared Jerusalem" (NY Times, December 21). One should not get the impression that the statement speaks for all, or even a significant number of, Christians in the United States or the Middle East. I represent the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI), a nation-wide network of Christian organizations and individuals who encourage support for and understanding of the people and state of Israel. NCLCI believes that the future of Jerusalem can and must be negotiated only by those leaders elected by the two peoples who live in Israel, as well as Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and Gaza. To be successful, such negotiations must take place out of the public spotlight and in an environment that promotes mutual trust and respect. The reality is that one city cannot be governed by two peoples and three faiths. Some one must be in charge. Israel, though not perfect, has proven to be the best steward of the city, its citizens and its holy places when exercising municipal leadership. To divide the city, or "share" sovereignty, would not lead to peace but to more misunderstanding, distrust and bloodshed. The ad correctly calls for dialogue on the thorny issues of Jerusalem between Jews, Christians and Muslims. The place for dialogue, however, is in the determination of how access to historical holy places and freedom of wor- ship will be guaranteed to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Dialogue could also help define how individual neighborhoods or regions in the city, particularly those comprised of adherents to a single religious tradition, could be allowed as much freedom for self-determination as the general welfare of the city permits. Such dialogue is for all who live there and care about Jerusalem's future. It should enhance, not diminish, the unity of the city. There is also a significant role for dialogue between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the United States. The goal of this dialogue should be growth in understanding and respect for the convictions and emotions of the other, not the imposition of a "western-style" solution for Israeli-Arab tensions or the manipulation of public opinion toward a specific outcome. NCLCI would be eager to participate in such a dialogue. Sincerely, David Blewett |
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