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ADL, Christian Dialogue Groups Form Faith And Freedom:
International Christian-Jewish Association On The Middle East
New York, N.Y., October 18, 2002… Among many mainline Christians, significant individual support for the State of Israel is often muted by official church statements and policies that are unsympathetic to Israel. Additionally, there is misunderstanding regarding the facts, history and policies of Israel and the plight of Christians in the region.
To promote better understanding between Christians and Jews regarding Israel, Faith and Freedom: The International Christian-Jewish Association on the Middle East was founded by The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), The Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel (ETRFI) and the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI). With offices in Jerusalem, New York and Novi, Michigan, the Faith and Freedom association will collect and publish information regarding rights, interests and religious freedom for Jews and Christians in the Middle East.
"The mission of the Faith and Freedom association is to promote Israel advocacy within Christian community and to foster greater understanding on Jewish and Christian life in the Middle East," said Eugene Korn, ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs and co-President of Faith and Freedom. "The association fulfills a need for the free flow of accurate information, the airing of diverse views between Christians and Jews and serious theological reflection on the Israeli-Arab conflict."
The Faith and Freedom association plans to sponsor:
- A Web site with up-to-date information and news
- Speaking tours in the United States for Israelis and Americans to speak on the conflict and Christian and Israeli life in the Middle East
- Scholarly conferences devoted to historical, theological and political aspects of Jewish and Christian life, legitimacy and traditions regarding the land of Israel
- Missions to Israel for Christian and Jewish leaders
In addition to Dr. Korn, the Reverend Dr. Petra Heldt of ETRFI serves as co-President. David Blewett of the NCLCI, and Dr. Margaret Brearley of the Anglican Church, UK, serve as Vice Presidents.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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