Middle East

Is any part of the world more impervious to peaceful solutions than the Middle East? The cradle of ancient civilizations and religions is also geography rich in strategic resources and rife with conflict.

IRD seeks balance, fairness, and informed consideration from a distinctly Christian ethic. In a conflict that particularly lends itself to emotional propaganda, the IRD advocates reasonable, informed, and sensible dialogue.

Thus, the IRD has worked with elders, pastors, Jewish leaders, scholars, and experts to reverse the 2004 Presbyterian resolution concerning divestment from corporations active in Israel. Presbyterian Action produced an alternative curriculum to replace a biased denominational study. The IRD has encouraged United Methodist and United Church of Christ leaders to weigh the rights and counsel of all sides, seeking fairness and balance in all decrees.

Concerned IRD pastors and lay leaders continue to shed credible light on the Middle East, pray for God’s peace in the region, and monitor and, if necessary, counteract church decrees and actions that are untruthful or otherwise detrimental to a just peace in the Middle East.