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Beyond 11 September: Implications for US Churches and the World 5th-6th August 2002 in Washington, DC Download full document (212Kb Word document, 1Mb Rich Text File or 115Kb plain text only) As the anniversary of 11 September 2001 approaches, we came together as Christians from the United States and other parts of the world to discern together the challenges which we now face as a result of the horrific events of 11 September and the US response. Our prayers are with all those who suffered loss in the events of September 11 and acts of terror around the world. While much of our discussion focused on peace and security, as Christians we affirmed that true security comes only from Jesus Christ who is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6) We have come to understand that ongoing dialogue, with churches worldwide and other faith communities, is essential to formulating a constructive Christian response to the insecurities and vulnerabilities that we and other people around the world experience. We encourage our churches - from the global to the congregational levels - to engage in sustained study and reflection on the meaning and sources of true peace and security in the present age. In looking at threats to peace and security, we particularly lift up the concerns in the Middle East. We call on U.S. churches to press their government to work for a just resolution of the Palestine-Israeli conflict, without delay, which will result in a viable and secure Palestinian state and a secure Israel at peace with its neighbors. Furthermore, at this particular moment in history, U.S. churches are called to speak out against the threat of a military attack by their government against Iraq. Our discussions affirmed certain fundamental principles:
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