EAPPI programme called a 'testament to peace'
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Date: 04 November, 2004
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Reverend Wandile Kuse, an Ecumenical Accompanier from South Africa (left) meets Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah.
photo: EAPPI / Matt Robson
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''We are one people, Muslims and Christians. We are together against the occupation.'
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In an act of inter-religious unity, clergy from three different churches visited Jerusalem in August to see the work of Christian Aid partner, the EAPPI, and pronounced the programme a 'testament to peace'.
The EAPPI - Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel - is a World Council of Churches initiative established to create an ecumenical presence in the Holy Land.
It engages volunteers known as 'ecumenical accompaniers' to work alongside both Palestinian and Israeli peace activists in non-violent actions to end the Israeli occupation.
The three church leaders - Roman Catholic patriarch, Michel Sabbah; Lutheran bishop, Munib Younan; and Greek Melkite Archimandrite, Mtanios Haddad - visited the West Bank towns of Tulkarem, Jayyous and Nablus, all predominantly Muslim communities suffering from the effects of Israel's separation barrier and policies restricting freedom of movement.
Addressing a group of Christian and Muslim leaders in Nablus, Latin Patriarch Sabbah said:
'The love of Christ is not only for Christians; it is for everyone. And to the ecumenical accompaniers, we called upon you and you came. We have put faith in you and we are always with you.'
Bishop Younan said the EAPPI demonstrated how people of all faiths can work together towards peace:
'It is not true that there is a struggle between Christianity and Islam. We are communicating to the world that we are one nation, one cause, seeking justice and reconciliation.
'The EAPPI programme proves this, as it is not only in Palestine but in Israel as well. This programme works with everyone who works for justice and reconciliation - Christians, Muslims and Jews.'
Archimandrite Haddad reiterated the words of his colleagues:
'I am very happy that Muslims accept the ecumenical accompaniers without worrying about religious divisions. This shows that it is not a religious problem; it is a political problem. This programme is a Christian testimony to peace.'
Abu Azzam, a member of the Land Defense Committee in Jayyous, was one of many local Palestinians who thanked both the churches and the EAPPI for their help.
'We are one people, Muslims and Christians. We are together against the occupation. This visit not only confirms that, but shows the support we get from the churches and that we are not alone.
'The ecumenical accompaniers show that as well. They are good friends to this community, and we are all one family.'
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