A Great Gathering of Witnesses
Presbyterians do mission in partnership! This fundamental tenet of our denomination is particularly important in Palestine, where the people with whom we partner are under great stress, requesting the on-going encouragement that comes from knowing that others around the world understand their situation and pray regularly for them. Staying in relationship can also provide regular, up-to-date information, as events unfold, which helps to fortify our advocacy.
Partnerships are not essentially about money but are instead about on-going personal relationships. In fact, money can get in the way of a good relationship, especially if finances become their central dimension. We seek to “walk with our partners,” to learn from them, encourage them and be guided in our actions by them.
Our denomination has long-standing partnerships with various ecumenical bodies in Palestine: Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox and Catholic, as well as the Middle East Council of Churches. The denomination also has long-term relationships with many church and para-church organizations. In visits and in conversations, we seek to honor and support those partnerships.
We partner with many groups in the US and on the ground in Palestine, working toward peace. We are grateful for this gift of cooperation as we learn from and support one another.