How do the Bible and Lutheran theology relate to the ELCA Middle East peace campaign?
The 1995 ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World begins, “We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share with the Church of Jesus Christ in all times and places the calling to be peacemakers.” Two aspects of this calling, proclaiming “the Gospel of God’s final peace” and working for “earthly peace,” are central to our efforts to educate ourselves and others and to urge a just earthly peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. Further, our legacy from both the Gospel and from the teaching of Martin Luther impels us to treat all people of the world as neighbors to be known, loved, and served. The ELCA’s commitment to accompaniment with our global companions is an extension of this theological legacy. The ELCA’s companion relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) moves us to be in solidarity with all the people of the region and to give voice in particular to the concerns and aspirations of Palestinian Christians, as they strive f
