Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA: Consultation on Gaza Conflict

National Consultation on Gaza Conflict – Search for Sustainable Peace

March 18 – 19, 2009

ICSA Guest House, Chennai, India.

Total 26 participants and 5 resources persons attended.

National Consultation on Gaza conflict was organized with main objects:

1. To understand that conflict is over resources, rights and survival not a religious (as per Nuha Khoury from Bethlehem).

2. It is very sensitive and dangerous. It will involve whole of Middle East, even rest of the world.

3. ACISCA stands for peace, justice and equality

4. To express our solidarity with the people of Palestine, Israel and Oikosnet friends in Bethlehem and Middle East.

The old question is – to whom belongs Israel? 2000 years ago, as the Roman Empire destroyed Judea and the Old Jerusalem; the Jews fled to Europe, Africa and Asia and became important traders. Around 680 AD Muslims occupied the Holy Land – and 1000 years ago the Pope ordered the Christians in Europe to evict the Muslims from the Holy Land, because it belongs to the Christians and not to Muslims – and the first crusades fought against these Muslims in the Holy Land and since this time we have war in this part of the world. The Muslims are convinced they are the owners of this land - as many as Jews returned to the Holy Land again, in the year 1948 – this land get a new name – Israel. This land is important for 3 religions – for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Dr. John Zechariah explained various issues concerning Gaza Conflict in his opening address:

1. Israel – Palestinian conflict issues:

Divisive History

1. Occupation, Land and Settlement
2. Palestinian State
3. Refugees
4. Palestinian Terror
5. Israel Repression
6. Israel Security
7. Water
8. Jerusalem

Current Issues in the Israel – Palestinian Conflict:

1. Death of Yasser Araft
2. Hamas election victory
3. Recognizing Israel
4. Palestinian Unity and Quartet boycott
5. Collapse of the Palestinian authority
6. Truce and violence
7. Security
8. Provisional State versus Final Status
9. Qassam Rockets
10. Kidnapped Soldier
11. Israeli Security Handover
12. The “Security barrier” (Apartheid Wall)
13. Prisoners
14. Disengagement
15. Safe Passage and open borders
16. Israel Outposts
17. Peace Proposal

2. Is there a connection between Bible prophecy and the war in Gaza?

3. The headlines in recent days are worth considering and disturbing.

4. Can Israeli actions in Gaza be justified?

5. Scripture Interpretations/Comments for peace:

6. How to Achieve Sustainable peace:

Just as the head of the largest evangelical body in the world, I like to avoid blaming either side for the current outbreak, instead I would urge international community (Global Oiksonet) to pray and make all possible efforts to end this complicated and dangers hostility. Meditation is better than Mediation.

7. Challenges for this consultation:

1. How can we find solution for daily realities in the region?

2. Israel – Palestinian Conflict/war, can we call it a “Just War”

3. Does the religion play a role in this conflict?

4. How important Jerusalem in this conflict?

5. What is God’s intention? Is God neutral in this matter?

6. Is outside interference necessary?

7. How can we get everlasting peace in the region?

The consultation also discussed other important issues regarding the Gaza conflict:

1. Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Azariah, Former Bishop of Madras Diocese, Church of South India

Opening remarks

2. Dr. P. Jegadish Gandhi

Gaza Conflict: Concerns and Cohesions in Peace Making

3. Rev. Dr. Charles Singaram

Gaza Conflict: General View

4. Dr. John Zechariah

Reflection of Oikosnet Centers on Gaza Conflict

5. Rev. Dr. David Joy

Understanding Gaza Conflict with a Christian Perspective which is board based

and unbiased.

Dr. Felix Sugirtharaj and Rev. Oommen Varkey led us in morning devotion

Mr. Sudhakar Ramteke and Mr. K.I. Ninan Chaired the sessions and gave their comments.

Statement and Resolution was passed

Contact: Dr. John Zechariah, issa.zechariah@gmail.com