To highlight the urgent need for peace in Palestine and Israel after 40 years of occupation, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has joined the World Council of Churches (WCC) and related organizations in organizing a week of prayers, seminars, rallies and advocacy to mark this June's anniversary of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The initiative, "International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel (ICAPPI)" will take place 3-9 June. The goal of the week is to raise awareness in churches and civil society and to impress upon governments the need for new efforts to end the conflict and to negotiate a just settlement.

The primary message of the week is that, despite decades of patient advocacy, a just resolution of the conflict in the Holy Land remains elusive, so churches and civil society are being asked to unite to demand renewed and intensive efforts to secure a lasting peace in the region.

This message will be conveyed to policy-makers and the public at large in a variety of ways. Prayers for peace will be offered throughout the country. Copies of a liturgy prepared by churches in Jerusalem have been sent to church leaders for use in their denominations. Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs), South African volunteers who have lived with those affected by the occupation, will speak at some of the worship services and rallies. There will be marches, rallies and public lectures in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, including a candlelight vigil at the Israeli consulate. Some EAs will make media appearances at community radio stations. The events will include Muslim and Palestinian voices.

Church leaders in Jerusalem have sent out a message calling on Christian sisters and brothers around the world to join this public witness for peace. "The sufferings, injustices and insecurity of the Occupation which affects Israelis and Palestinians--be they Christians, Muslims or Jews", they said, must become "an urgent priority for all national governments."

This church initiative is inspired by people who have witnessed for themselves what is happening in Palestine and Israel.

SACC member churches, church-related agencies and ecumenical networks are invited to join the initiative. The goal is for churches to promote a just peace together, guided by long-standing call of the SACC and its member churches for an equitable, negotiated solution to the conflict.

The SACC asks participants to "Be peaceful in advocating peace. Reflect, pray, and bear witness against violence and for justice."

For more information contact: Mr. Eddie Makue, General Secretary (082 853 8781)