An unprecedented statement of Palestinian Christian and Messianic Jewish believers was issued last month after a consultation in Larnaca, Cyprus, as part of the Lausanne Initiative for Reconciliation in Israel/Palestine. The statement includes commitments and call for study, prayer and action

Palestinian pastor Alex Awad writes: "If it were in my power, I would visit the home of the bereaved family as a representative of the Palestinian people to express condolences and seek forgiveness"

I found the contradictions of these two airports very symbolic. In Israel, rule enforcement levels vary depending on the citizen’s ethnicity, and when it comes to security the rules are clear. Anyone who isn’t Jewish should be questioned, and Palestinians are an enemy so they are guilty until proven innocent. And if you are Jewish, then you get VIP treatment, even if you are breaking the rules. Perhaps Jews get used to VIP treatment in Israel.

Our ultimate goal must be to proclaim the revelation of Jesus as Lord, speaking the truth in love, but more often than not it is wiser to begin by building trust and strengthening potentially fragile relationships rather than by stoking controversy from the start.

When I focus my theology on being “chosen” rather than on loving God with all of my heart and loving others like myself, it becomes self-serving or idolatry; when the focus becomes who is “in” and who is “out” rather than being like Jesus, the Good News becomes the same old news of the world.

In a historical move-the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention handles the deed for Nazareth Baptist School facilities to the local Nazareth Baptist School Organization

Rev. Dr. Alex Awad lived and served in Palestine for decades, including over 25 years as missionary with the United Methodist Church. Alex served as the pastor of East
Jerusalem Baptist Church, as well as Professor, Dean of Students and Director of the Shepherd Society at Bethlehem Bible College. Alex helped to organize three “Christ at the Checkpoint” conferences in Bethlehem, and is the author of two books: “Palestinian Memories: The Story of a Palestinian Mother and Her People” and “Through the Eyes of the Victims.”

Education Minister Naftali Bennett just announced that he appointed Shimshon Shoshani to head the committee to resolve recent dispute with Christian schools.

Richard was born in Northern Ireland and spent several years as Vice-Principal of the Anglican School in Jerusalem and has worked in senior positions in a number of Christian and social concern charities in the UK.Most recently, he was the CEO of the Garden Tomb in Jeruslam