Dear Bishops:

I thought this would interest you regarding the letter that was signed by the 15 Christian leaders to the Congress. They are indeed to be commended on this initiative. While the Lutheran Presiding Bishop has signed it, it is surprising to note that Episcopal Presiding Bishop did not. "Not in line with Episcopal policy does not hold water." The Lutherans and the Episcopalians are the only two churches in the US that have communities in Palestine, so their voice needs to be heard. For the church abroad to be concerned about the dwindling numbers of Christians does not help when they do not raise their voice to put an end to the occupation and the violations of human rights. Please make an effort to support those voices who finally had the courage to speak up and not worry about interfaith dialogue that seems to be the Jewish trump card everytime the church attempts to raise its voice.

Respectfully,

Samia

Samia Nasir Khoury was for 17 years the President of Rawdat El-Zuhur, an elementary school in East Jerusalem.  She has served on the board of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center and the board of trustees of Birzeit University.