STATEMENT BY THE RT. REV. MUNIB A. YOUNAN,

BISHOP OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Serving in Palestine, Israel and Jordan

on the Death of Arafat

 November 11, 2004

President Arafat's death comes as sad if not unexpected news for the Palestinian people and the world.  It is a moment in history when we in the church must stand with our people in unity and strength. 

President Arafat was always a strong advocate for freedom of religion.  He was consistent in his support of Christians as they lived and worked in the Holy Land and affirmed access for all to the Holy Sites in this land.  We are hopeful and confident that the new Palestinian leadership will continue to affirm religious freedom as essential to a democratic society. 

We are committed to work for the vision of a two-state solution, a shared Jerusalem, a just peace and an end to occupation and spiral violence.  We pledge our support for a new democratically-elected leadership and stand ready to work toward justice, freedom and reconciliation. 

We Palestinians are a strong and resilient people, and we are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. May God bless us in the difficult time ahead as we prepare the way toward a civil, democratic, free Palestine. 

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