The Very Rev. David Giuliano

September 2007

Dear Friends,

I greet you in the name of Jesus, the Christ who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9). I am writing to tell you about the launch of the United for Peace Campaign on Peace Sabbath, Sunday, November 4, 2007.

I was part of a delegation of United Church folks who travelled to Israel and Palestine this past spring. We met with God’s children who daily work for peace in places like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Hebron. With the barest resources they provide programs for Palestinian refugee children, accompany those who are in danger, create opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue, and in countless other creative ways witness to peace. I was deeply moved by their hopefulness in the midst of such despair. I returned home haunted by one question: What can we, as Canadians and as people of faith, do to help?

I am encouraged that The United Church of Canada has initiated the United for Peace Campaign from November 2007 to December 2009. It represents our commitment to renew and enliven the church’s peacemaking ministry. The campaign includes education, advocacy, and a $2 million fundraising effort to learn about and support our partners in peacemaking both around the globe and here in Canada.

The roots of the United for Peace Campaign come from the action of the 39th General Council to establish a fund to support peace initiatives in Palestine and Israel. Subsequently the Executive of the General Council expanded the scope of the fund to include peace work in all parts of the globe. The campaign is grounded in our understanding that there can be no peace without justice.

While we were in Israel and Palestine, I told our partners there about our commitment to this work and to this fund. Our commitment alone was a source of great encouragement and hope. Imagine what they could do with our more tangible support.

To this end, I commend the material on United for Peace to your congregation. Please join with me in supporting this new campaign that begins on Peace Sabbath, November 4.

Peace be with you,

The Right Rev. David Giuliano
Moderator