A Nationwide Network of Local Interreligious Cooperation for Peace in the Middle East

Purpose

Efforts are underway to develop a nationwide network of local interreligious cooperation modeled on the National Initiative, involving local Christian judicatory heads, prominent Pastors, Priests, Rabbis and Imams. In some local areas, an already established interfaith group might take on this role; in other areas local Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders could create an ad hoc effort. The primary purpose is to build a broad, active interreligious constituency to support creative, determined U.S. leadership for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian peace. Local initiatives could also develop relationships with Arab-Jewish peace and reconciliation projects.

Leaders of local interreligious initiatives agree to adopt the Principles of Cooperation, affirm the December '06 consensus statement, Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace: From Crisis to Hope, and agree to utilize NILI advocacy positions as guidelines for addressing the Administration and Congress.

The cities so far where religious leaders have endorsed the Interreligious Initiative's statements and taken some action modeled on the National Initiative include: Atlanta; Austin; Baltimore; Boca Raton and Orlando, FL; Boston; Charlotte and Durham, NC; Chicago; Contra Costa County, CA; Dallas; Detroit; Gary, IN; Hartford-New Haven; Houston; Indianapolis; Central Long Island; Los Angeles; Madison, WI; Memphis; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; San Antonio; San Francisco; Seattle; Toledo; Washington, DC; Williamsburg, VA; and Wilmington, DE.

What Local Interreligious Leaders Can Do

Local leaders will decide what activities would be most effective in their communities. Suggestions for activities include three categories: education, advocacy and partnership building for peace.

• Getting started, local religious leaders join together supporting the "Principles of Cooperation," and the statement, "Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace: From Crisis to Hope;" they launch their local initiative with a press conference and possibly an op-ed article or a newspaper ad signed by the leaders.
• Organize a forum with a speaker from the National Initiative and a panel of local Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders as respondents.
• Publicize the Interreligious Initiative and current NILI advocacy positions in local congregations.
• Sponsor a public interreligious witness, possibly a "Walk for Peace" or a "Caravan for Peace" visiting a local synagogue, church and mosque.
• Arrange for a local interreligious team to meet with your Senators and Representatives to inform them of the initiative and urge their support for active, determined U.S. leadership, including support of the statement, 'Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace: From Crisis to Hope,' and current NILI advocacy positions.
• Invite Israeli and Palestinian speakers to your community, e.g., from the Geneva Accord, People's Voice, One Voice, and Parents Circle (Bereaved Families).
• Develop a connection and build an ongoing partnership between your community and one or more of the Arab-Jewish peace and reconciliation projects, provide support for their work, including publicity, fundraising, etc.