May 21, 2002

Marthame's birthday, but little time to have a formal celebration. Simply being here in Beirut is enough of a present.

Elizabeth shares as part of the panel on Palestine.

Marthame shares with a panel.

The Conference continued full steam, with a Bible study on the meaning of reconciliation, and then presentations and panels on expectations the Eastern Church has of the West, the work of Christian missions, and Christian-Muslim dialogue. We were struck that Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders unanimously said the Eastern Church calls on the Western Church to be a prophetic voice for truth and peace - a voice dispelling misconceptions and misunderstandings which not only rend us from one another, but threaten to tear the world apart along East-West lines. In particular, the conflict in Palestine and Israel is a primary concern, mentioned again and again by Middle eastern Christian leaders throughout the conference and afterwards.

Conversation among Conference attendees.

The Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem Riah Abu-Al-Asal delivered a keynote address on the situation affecting his parishes and parishioners. The two of us participated in a panel on the subject, sharing our own perspectives on the conflict raging. We received a lot of good responses from people - our presence in Jenin surely has given us credibility among the Middle Easterners. It was also helpful to have this time to reflect on how to share what's happening for when we return to the States.

Elizabeth attended the evening meetings, which offered conferees an opportunity to discuss and share their own experiences and work in the region. Meanwhile Marthame moved around working on a final conference statement to put together the many voices we have heard before we regrouped for a radio interview with CompassionRadio.