Peace Not Walls

In the Rocky Mountain Synod, we participate in a special ELCA campaign working for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel, through

Accompaniment
Advocacy
Awareness-raising

New Peace Not Walls video update

Peace Not Walls 2021 Update from ELCA on Vimeo.

Video Description: The ELCA’s Peace Not Walls campaign works for peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. How has COVID-19 impacted the local Lutheran church in the Holy Land? How has Augusta Victoria Hospital dealt with COVID-19? Watch this video to learn more.

Share in your congregation using this link: https://vimeo.com/538797748/1fa1ffe11d

No Way to Treat a Child - H.R. 2590

Palestinian Children in Israeli Military Detention

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) has introduced legislation to require reporting on whether U.S. foreign aid to Israel is being used in violation of human rights. See the text of the bill, a summary, co-sponsors of the bill, a short video describing the bill and more: https://nwttac.dci-palestine.org/resources_on_hr2590

Contact your lawmaker and ask them to co-sponsor: https://nwttac.dci-palestine.org/contact_your_lawmaker_about_hr_2590#/7/

From Defense for Children International - a new documentary film - "Caging Childhood"

Israeli soldiers knelt on top of 16-year-old Osama while holding him at gunpoint, arrested 17-year-old Qusai in his home at three in the morning, and forced 17-year-old Islam to sleep outside in the cold overnight. Israeli authorities detained the three boys for periods ranging from seven days to a year and a half. This documentary shares the stories of three Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank and their experiences being detained, interrogated, prosecuted and imprisoned in the Israeli military detention system.

Get Involved:

IMPLEMENT the ELCA resolutions on Israeli settlements and responsible investment - read a FACT SHEET on the Memorials
WATCH a video introduction to Peace Not Walls
CONTACT a speaker
STUDY the KAIROS PALESTINE document, the Palestinian Christians' call to Christians around the world, asking for support in their struggle for human rights
SUPPORT Lutheran ministries and schools in Bethlehem through Bright Stars of Bethlehem
SUPPORT Lutheran schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) through Opportunity Palestine
WHY have more than 200 Israeli settlements been built on Palestinian land? Watch "The Iron Wall" documentary
WHY is a two-state solution unlikely? Watch a two-minute video: "Israel-Palestine, a Land in Fragments"
Watch 1948: Creation and Catastrophe
Watch The Occupation of the American Mind
Summary of ELCA churchwide actions on Palestine

Direct Support to Palestinian Lutheran Ministries

Opportunity Palestine - supporting Lutheran schools in Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour and Ramallah: http://opportunitypalestine.org.

Bright Stars of Bethlehem - supporting ministries of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem - K-12 school and after school programs, elder care programs, Dar Al-Kalima University College and more: http://brightstarsbethlehem.org

Worship Resource: Thomas Mass Liturgy

The Thomas Mass is a Lutheran worship liturgy designed for contemplation, prayer, and questioning. It is named for the Apostle Thomas because of his questions in faith. The bulk of this service is an Open Phase during which worshippers are invited to participate in different worship stations as they feel compelled. This particular Thomas Mass has been developed by the Rocky Mountain Synod’s Peace Not Walls committee. The service may be adapted for use throughout the year in various worship settings.