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Faith leaders in Jerusalem: religion must have 'prophetic' role

Religion must take on a more positive role in peacemaking efforts in the Middle East, especially in light of the deteriorating situation there, faith leaders have said, reports Ecumenical News International.

"Religion must be part of the solution," said Jerusalem Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan at a meeting sponsored by the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information.

Instead of allowing itself to be misused by Jewish, Christian and Muslim extremist groups, religion must be prophetic, a catalyst of reconciliation, and offer peace education, said Younan, who is bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

He warned religious leaders against becoming "mini-politicians", and stressed the need to be critical of one's own political leaders. "Are we ready as religious leaders to do that? That is the challenge," he said.

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TAGS: Middle East Jerusalem religion Bishop Munib Younan reconciliation peace education

[06/07/2010]

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