Telling A Different Story

By Ann V. Staal
Reformed Church in America Representative
Churches for Middle East Peace

Many thanks to Marlin and Sally for allowing me space on their blog to promote Advocacy Days, sponsored by Churches for Middle East Peace in Washington DC, April 20-22, 2008.  Advocacy Days is an event designed to help you learn how to share what you have learned from Marlin and Sally about the situation in Israel and Palestine with your members of Congress - and then to give you the opportunity, along with other participants from 23 denominations, to speak to your House and Senate offices in person. 

Sunday night of Advocacy Days is dedicated to worship and fellowship; Monday to speakers and workshops that help you learn more about Middle East issues and US policy; and on Tuesday conference participants will attend a Congressional prayer breakfast and then visit the offices of their representatives to share what they have learned.  More information about this conference, titled “Calming the Storm,” is available at:  www.cmep.org

I know that many RCA members are wary of advocacy activities, fearing that the church is getting involved in politics or that speaking up will be divisive.  But there is an important difference between a church that backs a particular party or candidate and Christian voices who help illuminate and educate our representatives about the importance of justice, community and peace.

After having lived in Israel for six years and Washington DC for five, I read the Bible full of wonder at how the stories we tell reverberate politically through the centuries: What if Abraham had kept Hagar in the family, rather than casting her out?  What if David, when God had blessed him richly, had enjoyed his prosperity and worked for harmony within his family and his kingdom rather than reaching out for more?  What if the self-righteous citizens of Jerusalem had reflected on Assyrian victories and instead of being smug had returned to doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with their God?

The stories we tell today will also echo on in our children and grandchildren.  Do we allow the Christian story to be told by those who say the cycle of oppression and retribution in Israel and Palestine is unbreakable – even God’s will?  Do we remain silent while others preach that friendship with Israel means arming and pressing her towards Armageddon?   Or do we have another story that needs a voice in Washington DC: a story that respects the lives and well-being of every one of Abraham’s children, that seeks justice and security for all inhabitants of the Holy Land, that hunts for actions that embody our words of peace?

If Marlin and Sally’s insightful blog stories have moved you to wonder how you can also speak peace, I encourage you to share what you have learned with your friends and church – and especially with the policy-makers who represent you, by joining us at the 2008 CMEP Advocacy Days. 

If you plan to attend, please let me know at ann.staal@verizon.net so I can arrange for RCA participants to meet, work and speak together.

Seeking peace,
Ann V. Staal
RCA board representative
Churches for Middle East Peace