| MFSA News May 24, 2002 MENUM to Sponsor Forum on Crisis in the Middle East United Methodists concerned about events in the Middle East will gather in Washington, DC on Friday, May 24th to promote united action in support of a just peace in the Middle East. The one-day forum and call to action is sponsored by the Middle East Network of United Methodists (MENUM), an adjunct of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA). The event will take place at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol Street NE, Washington D.C. Open to all United Methodists and friends, the day will include a keynote presentation by Ambassador Philip C. Wilcox, Jr., President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, an organization located in Washington, D.C. and devoted to fostering peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Ambassador Wilcox served posts in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Jerusalem during his 31-year career with the U.S. State Department. Other morning presenters will include Diane Roe, a member of the Christian Peacemaker Team who will be just back from Hebron, David Graybeal, Professor Emeritus of Drew Seminary who has provided leadership at the United Nations for Non-Governmental Agencies concerned about Palestinians, and Janet Horman, Peace with Justice Program Coordinator of the Board of Church and Society. The afternoon will include time for sharing concerns related to the Middle East and a discussion of our response as United Methodists. At 4:30, Jim Winkler, General Secretary of the Board of Church and Society will report on recent trips he has made to the Middle East with UM Bishops and other church officials. The day will close with a celebratory Middle Eastern dinner at 6:00 p.m. For more information please contact the National Office of MFSA at 202-546-8806. |