Holy Land religious leaders visit U.S., announce peace initiatives

Published: 2007-11-07

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Leaders of the three major religions of the Holy Land traveled to Washington to announce initiatives to institutionalize their commitment to decreasing violence. Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem said the religious leaders will help expedite "rapid communication" among Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders to address hot issues before they become sources of conflict. Holy sites help spark conflict, but the religious leaders will work together so that the sites "remain only places for prayer," Patriarch Sabbah said at a Nov. 7 press conference. He said the religious leaders also have agreed to "reflect on the status of Jerusalem," a city regarded by Muslims, Jews and Christians as holy. Interfaith leaders announced the initiatives of the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land, an organization of Jewish, Muslim and Christians religious leaders. Council members' visits to the United States were funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

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