The meeting room at Laws Lodge on the campus of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary was buzzing with groups clustered together, debriefing on the past three weeks. Most of the 15 international peacemakers gathered here for a day of conversation before heading back to their homes, an opportunity to talk about their experiences and interactions with U.S. congregations, students and communities.
An international peacemaker from Palestine recently found her invitation to speak at two Nebraska high schools revoked. Nora Carmi, a Palestinian Christian from Jerusalem, was scheduled to speak at two schools in Omaha, when school district authorities cancelled the appearances. Millard Public School officials say the decision was made after being contacted by some parents.
Presbyterian churches and institutions will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of what it is like to be a hometown refugee. Nora Arsenian Carmi is one of at least 15 individuals who will be visiting Presbyterian churches, mid-councils and other institutions this fall as part of the 2017 International Peacemakers.
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is once again offering individuals an opportunity to visit the Holy Land through its Mosaic of Peace Conference to Israel/Palestine. This will be the third time in recent years that Peacemaking has hosted a group in the region, with previous trips in 2014 and 2016.
The 2016 International Peacemakers are finishing up their visits to U.S. churches, colleges and communities. Seven of the speakers gathered this week at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to debrief with staff. During its day-long gathering, the group shared their experiences, hopes and recommendations for future meetings.
For Areej Masoud, life is anything but easy. The Bethlehem, Palestine native is in the midst of transition, having just left her position as communications and administrative officer for Kairos Palestine, a Christian organization working to end the Israeli occupation. She is now the marketing and development officer for Bethlehem Bible College.
When you sign up to take part in the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s Mosaic of Peace Conference, don’t expect a simple tour of historic Biblical sights and generic narrative about the history of the region. Many of those who recently traveled to the Middle East will tell you the conference can be a wake up call.
Group asked to accompany region’s Christians in their suffering and hope by Scott O’Neill | Presbyterian News Service For the past week a group of Presbyterians have been witnessing for peace… Read more »
