Palestinian leaders hold that traditionally Arab eastern Jerusalem should become the capital of a new State of Palestine. As Christians committed to working for peace, we support a negotiated solution for Jerusalem that respects the human and political rights of both Palestinians and Israelis, as well as the rights of the three religious communities. We urge Jews, Christians and Muslims to open dialogue on these issues. Jerusalem at peace cannot belong exclusively to one people, one country or one religion. We urge the United States government to call upon negotiators to move beyond exclusivist claims and create a Jerusalem that is a sign of peace and a symbol of reconciliation for all humankind.
None can appropriate it in exclusivist ways.
We invite each party to go beyond exclusivist visions or actions, and without discrimination, to consider the religious and national aspirations of others, in order to give back to Jerusalem its true universal character and to make of the city a holy place of reconciliation for humankind. The future of Jerusalem must not be preempted by the actions of any one party. Only a negotiated agreement that respects the human and political rights of Palestinians and Israelis as well as the three religious communities can lead to a lasting peace. OUR GOAL is to publish a full page ad including your name in the New York Times at an opportune time following the November elections. All donations will be used only for publicizing the statement.