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Peace Not Walls

WHAT CAN WE DO?

No Way to Treat a Child
LEARN MORE:

No Way to Treat a Child campaign seeks to challenge and end Israel’s prolonged military occupation of Palestinians by exposing  the widespread and systematic ill-treatment of Palestinian children. Since 1967, Israel has operated two separate legal systems in the same territory. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers are subject to the civilian and criminal legal system whereas Palestinians live under military law.

PLAN A FORUM FOR YOUR CONGREGATION:

  • Contact a member of the Synod Peace Not Walls planning team for help with ideas
  • Watch a film and discuss (Detaining Dreams or another film from No Way to Treat a Child website)

TAKE ACTION: 

Education 

about Palestinians, Palestinian Christians and Lutherans, peace with justice for Palestinians, organizations working for peace

EDUCATION RESOURCES

FILMS:

Painting on the graffiti wall - 2019 RMS Assembly 

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.

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 
WHAT IS 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

Peace Not Walls connects us with our Palestinian Lutheran companions—promoting dignity, full respect for human rights, healing and reconciliation. With our companions in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), we also accompany Palestinians and Israelis, Jews, Christians and Muslims working together for peace with justice. Learn more about the ELCA campaign.

Documents: 
PDF icon RMS 2019 Memorial: No Way to Treat a Child
PDF icon 2018 Synod Assembly Resolution: No Way to Treat a Child
PDF icon No Way to Treat a Child FACT Sheet
PDF icon History of ELCA Engagement with Israel/Palestine
Resources: 
PDF icon Fact Sheet - 2019 Memorial to Churchwide Assembly: No Way to Treat a Child
PDF icon ELCA 2016 assembly action - Investments
PDF icon ELCA 2016 assembly action - Israeli Settlements
PDF icon Summary of 2016 ELCA actions on Israel/Palestine
PDF icon FAQs on 2016 Churchwidje Assembly Actions

Take Action

  • Contact a member of the synod Peace Not Walls planning team to be added to an email list to receive action alerts
  • Sign up for ELCA Peace Not Walls advocacy alerts

Churchwide Assembly Memorials

Some resources and links for your congregation to study the issues and implement the resolutions. Members of the PNW working group (listed below) are available to help you plan.

Travel

  • Although this is the best way to learn meet Palestinian Christians and learn more, travel is, of course, not possible now during the pandemic.
  • Contact Jan Miller for suggested trips or to create one for your congregation

News Sources

RMS Peace Not Walls working group